29Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days,
30come down from the cross and save yourself!"
31In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can’t save himself!
32Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
- P98
33At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
34And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he’s calling Elijah."
36Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
- P99
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
- P99
They accuse Jesus of being unable to save Himself even though He saved others. Jesus could, of course, save Himself, but He chooses to remain on the cross. - P100
He bears the insults and the suffering for His people. This is part of His mission to fulfill the will of the Father and demonstrate His great love for us. - P100
We have hope and confidence to draw near to God because He allowed His Son to suffer and die so that we might live forever with Him.- P100
At the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtain in the temple is torn in two. Since the time of Moses, this curtain prevented access to the holy of holies, the innermost part of the temple. Because this sacred space represented God’s dwelling place, no one could enter except for the high priest who would make atonement for the sins of God’s people, and even the priest had to first meticulously follow detailed cleansing rituals to stand in that holy space. - P100
The tearing of the curtain symbolizes that Jesus’ sacrifice fully cleanses us of sin and allows us access to the Father. - P100
Because of the blood of Jesus, a new way is opened for His people to experience eternal closeness with the holy and living God.- P100
Father, sometimes I forget how perfectly holy You are and take for granted what a special privilege it is for a sinner like me to have access to You. - P101
I thank you that the veil is torn, and I can now approach You at any time. In Jesus’ name, amen.- P101
The centurion who stood before Jesus‘ cross acknowledges Him as the Sonof God after witnessing His final moments. Jesus is buried by Joseph of Ari-mathea, who requests His body from Pilate. Mary Magdalene and Mary themother of James and Joseph observe the burial.- P103
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yetnot what I will, but what you will." - Mark 14:36
Praise Praise the Father, the Son, and the Spirit for their unshakable resolve in carrying out theplan of salvation.
Confession Confess the times you insisted on your will and did not care about God‘s.
Thanksgiving Thank Jesus for drinking the cup of God‘s wrath so that not even a drop of itfalls upon your life.
Petition Ask God to form in you the same obedient heart that Christ displayed.- P105
