Today's Scripture
His Death- Matthew 27:45-56
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Matthew 27 Mark 15(CEB)
45 From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. 46 At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?”[c]
47 After hearing him, some standing there said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 One of them ran over, took a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a pole. He offered it to Jesus to drink.
49 But the rest of them said, “Let’s see if Elijah will come and save him.”
50 Again Jesus cried out with a loud shout. Then he died.
51 Look, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split,52 and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised. 53 After Jesus’ resurrection they came out of their graves and went into the holy city where they appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what had just happened, they were filled with awe and said, “This was certainly God’s Son.”
55 Many women were watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to serve him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
What does this passage mean to me/us
It is odd to talk about the death of Jesus, as we are approaching a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
But at the same time, it is important to talk about the death of Jesus, since it is the purpose of Jesus’ coming.
Jesus was sent to this world to accomplish and fulfill the covenant of God. For Jesus to fulfill that promise, Jesus needed to be separated from God. Due to his separation, we, who were separated, can be connected.
The final cry of Jesus, on the cross,“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?” was a complex cry of reality and hope.
Jesus was faced with the darkness of separation and death. At the same time, the cry that seems like he is blaming God was a cry of deep trust.
Have you been confronted by the evil of this world that pushes you to a point of facing death?
You might understand the fear that Jesus was facing. In that time, his cry was a reaction of the reality. At the same time, it might have been a cry of trust. Knowing and trusting that God is the only one who can help in the time of despair.
When we remember what Christ had come for, we can truly celebrate the coming of Jesus.
It’s not for us, not for our family, but for the willingness of God who is yearning to reconnect with the world.
Prayer
Lord, we wait for you to come can connect us with you in trust. We offer our lives to you, as you offered it for us. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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