Supernatural darkness and absence of God during Jesus' death
03-17-2008

Column 930, March 14, 2008

“Provoking Christian Insights” series



Part 30

Supernatural darkness and absence of God during Jesus’ death

Matthew 27:45 During the Crucifixion there was a supernatural darkness over Israel from noon until 3:00 p.m. This was not due to a solar eclipse because at the time of Passover the moon was always full … there’s more.



“Jesus cried out with a loud voice; ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:45). Some of those who stood there said, “This man is calling for Elijah!”



The rest said, “Let him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.”



And Jesus cried out again in a loud voice and yielded up His spirit, (Matthew 27:50). It was obvious that God wasn’t present with Jesus during this moment of death. Some commentaries say that Jesus was saying, “It was for this that I was born,” (no Scripture referance).



But, then in verse 51 we read; “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, and the earth quaked and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many,” (NKJV).



Matthew 27:51 The tearing of the veil of the temple at the time of Jesus’ death conveyed in visible form God’s plan of salvation under the new covenant. Direct access to God is available through the death of Jesus (See Hebrews 10:19-22).



The separation

The separation of Jesus from His father was the first ever. It had to be because Jesus was taking on the sins of man. God cannot look upon sin, thus the second reasoning that taking on the sins of the world was what Jesus came to do. This was God’s “only son” and He gave up something very precious that He might redeem those in His creation.



How long God was separated from Jesus we don’t know. What we do know is that it happened because in His own words God said that “He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life.”



Whether it was God’s hand that tore the veil from top to bottom and caused the earthquake tremor at the Temple or what caused it is not explained, neither is it explained why it was dark as night in the middle of the late afternoon during a full moon.



The promise

“…the chief priests gathered together to Pilate saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” (Mark 10::31; 10:34). Guards were sent and the tomb was sealed. On the third day, after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. Again there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it.



The guards shook in front of the angel and became as dead men. The Angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek the Jesus that was crucified. He is not here for He is Risen as He said.” (Matthew 28:6).



New Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

(1Peter 1:3) “In His great mercy he (God the Father) has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (The Only Son).



Since His resurrection, Jesus Christ now reigns over heaven and earth (See Acts 2:36; 1Corinthians 15:20-28; Philippians 2: 9-11). The central task of “the Church,” its Great Commission, is to make disciples of all the nations. Jesus is not just continuing John’s baptism of repentance. In Christian baptism the believer promises loyalty to all three members of the Trinity (2 Corinthians 13-14). The Christian’s salvation is through the grace, mercy, and love of the Father; the sacrificial death of the Son, and the cleansing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.



Understanding Jesus’ saying “You must be born again.”

I know a lot of people who are satisfied when they have had someone say “The believer’s prayer.” I know a group of Christians who scour the nursing homes in hopes of having someone say that prayer. However the first thing we are asked to do is “repent,” (Acts 2:38).



Nicodemus spent his life in search of the answer to “You must be born again.” He had memorized the Holy Scriptures and lived by their laws. He also packed in the 960 rules the Pharisees cooked up for daily living. He prayed eight times a day. He was most highly educated and a doctor at law. Nicodemus was seated on the Jews highest Court. And, Jesus told him that he couldn’t see the kingdom unless he was born again, something that Nicodemus couldn’t understand.



Nicodemus had to experience a “new birth,” which was a Spiritual birth. Nicodemus tried harder than almost anyone to attain holiness but he missed the point … it wasn’t something he did, or could do … it was something that you are given. Look at Ephesians 2: 8-9. The new birth is “not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so no one can boast.”



However there is one thing you must do … you must (Acts 2:38); “repent. And be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39)”For the promise is to you and your children and to all who are afar off, as man as the Lord our God will call.” (NKJV).



Sharing our faith

Someone shared their faith with you. It may have been a Sunday School or Bible teacher, or a godly pastor, or a praying parent. They do have the right to hope and expect that we will do for others what they have done for us. Why?



First, God has commanded us to “go out into the world making disciples of all men,” Acts 1:8 and Revelations 22:17 speaks to this.



Second, It demonstrates our love for God. Christ said that if we truly loved him we would keep His commandments (John 14:15).



Third, Because all are lost (Romans 3: 10, 23).



Fourth; Our method of sharing is God’s chosen way to tell all people. He could have used angels, but He didn’t. Only redeemed sinners can tell lost sinners about Christ. See Romans 10: 14 –17; Acts 8:3.



Fifth, Because God desires to save all people (Acts 4: 12: 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).



Let’s not be timid when it comes to saving people from Hell’s gates. God will do the rest.



INSPIRATION: “Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Redeemed through His infinite mercy – His child, and forever I am,” (Song “REDEEMED” by Fanny Crosby).



Write: croneis@embarqmail.com