The description of Jesus’ death in Luke is full of incredible details that point us to the cosmic effect of what was happening. As darkness falls over the land, it seems that the power of evil may be prevailing. It’s a dark day on which the Messiah of the world was crucified by the Romans, to the delight of some of the leaders of his own people. But this isn’t failure. For whilst darkness falls, the temple veil is torn in two, signalling that a new way for relationship with God for all people has been flung open through Jesus’ death. The veil separated the people of God from the holy of holies. Yet through Jesus’ death, a new way, a direct way was being opened up to God. No longer would sacrifices need to be made, because Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice made for us.

Even in his final moments on the cross, Jesus demonstrates his great trust in the Father as he commends his spirit into his Father’s hands. This was no ordinary death. Jesus was no ordinary man. He died this death willingly and innocently, in order that we could be saved. In a moment of brilliant clarity, the centurion gets it! The tough centurion, who had probably witnessed innumerable crucifixions, was probably even desensitised to death, realises that something is different about Jesus! He realises that this death is different, because Jesus is truly a righteous man. The centurion’s response? To praise God! As we recognise who Jesus is and what he has done for us, praise - thanking him - is precisely what we should do. Not that we would delight that he had to die; but that we would delight that he would do it so that we could be saved. AL

Questions

1. What evidence is there that Jesus voluntarily and truly died? What is the significance of this?

2. How is it through Jesus’ death that we are afforded life?

3. How was the price for sin paid for on the cross?

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for enduring the cross for us. Thank you for never being dissuaded from your saving mission, even at the greatest cost to yourself. Please help us to grow in our gratitude for the price that you paid, not that we would be overwhelmed in guilt, but that we would rejoice in our freedom! Amen.