Day 19 - He Died

“Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two 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.” Matthew 27:50-53

He was no ordinary man, and He died no ordinary death. Far from normal, His death was sensational! Who could have possibly arranged a more incredible death than God Himself – calling attention to the importance of this one Man on the cross? This was a Friday to remember. We call it “Good Friday.”

This account by Matthew demonstrates that Jesus’ death opened the doorway to God’s very presence. “…the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” The Old Testament tells us that the veil was about 18’ wide and 15’ tall – higher than a man could possibly reach. Tradition tells us that this durable, woven veil was so strong that two horses, hitched to either side of the veil, could not have torn it apart. And it was torn in two!

Hebrews 10:19-20 reads, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated us, though the veil, that is, His flesh…” The explanation of the veil being torn is that we can now draw near to God because our sins were paid for on the cross! God is opening the door to His Presence and to heaven through the cross.

The miracle of the veil was followed by the miracle of an earthquake and the resurrecting of dead people who later came out of their graves! What could explain such events apart from the undeniable stamp of approval by God upon the death of Jesus as the one, true way to forgiveness of sin, acceptance of the sinner, and new life that is eternal?

The cross, and the death Jesus died there, is far more significant than a brief devotional can describe. It is, in a phrase, “A death for life.” He died so that I can live. His life for mine. And God accepted that death as sufficient sacrifice.

Isaiah 53:10 says, “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” The prophet also tells us, “He shall see the travail of His soul, and be satisfied.” (v. 11a) The incredible truth is, Jesus paid for my sin, all the things I have done that bring shame and embarrassment, all my evil intents and thoughts and failures, and God was satisfied with that payment – and accepted me!

To see the cross is to see the most significant act of sacrifice ever given. His life for ours. Tonight, on Good Friday, come to see the “Message of the Cross.” As that cross is carved, know that His death was for your life.

What an important time to bring those you are praying for with you in order that they may see why the cross is so important for life!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, how can I thank you enough? Not only did you seek me and save me, but you did all that was necessary in giving Yourself for me so that I might live justly before Holy God. I thank you today by serving you with this new life you’ve given.

Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?

What am I being asked to do?

How do I need to begin obeying Him today?

Comments

[Tim Linkletter]

Hi John,

Question, I'm reading through the NT 'slow style' - 7 chapters a day, same chapters every day for a month. I'm now in Luke, going through Matthew and Mark from October of 2008.

It is incredible to me what you pick up nuances in thought and all kinds of good stuff! My question has to do with Jesus' utterance on the cross, specifically in Mark 15:33-34 when Jesus said, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?". I never really saw the question marks before and it is not read that way. Now I know that Jesus was not questioning God's plan because that had been solidified in the Garden. So there wasn't a momentary lapse of, "this is what you meant?"

Was this in the deepest way the acknowledgement of our sin laid upon him, even to the point of being forsaken? It is powerful to me and makes me want to fall flat on my face before a holy God and weep.

What do you think? Again everytime that I've heard it read it has been with a "." and never a "?"

Take care,

Tim