46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He’s calling Elijah."
- P32
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split
52and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
- P33
Darkness sweeps over the land and the people realize that a supernatural event is taking place. Jesus cries out to God, and some mishear Him, thinking that He is crying out to the powerful prophet Elijah to save Him. In actuality, Jesus is praying Psalm 22, which starts with anguish but ends with God’s deliverance and dominion over the world. On this Good Friday, we remember that Jesus’ anguish on the cross was the beginning of a great victory. - P34
May we not take the suffering of Christ for granted for even a single moment. Let us remember His sacrifice and all He suffered so that His people could receive salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through Him.k- P34
Divine Signs (27:50-56)forf-rightethecry, temple curtain tears from top toAs soon as Jesus gives His finalopen, and people whobottom. The earth shakes, rocks split, tombs breakdied are raised to life. Even the Romans who mocked and beat Jesus exclaimthat He must have truly been the Son of God. The women who traveledfrom Galilee with Jesus also see what is happening. Jews and Gentilesalike all bear witness that Jesus‘ death was no ordinary crucifixion. - P34
Thesupernatural events at Jesus‘ death serve as signs that confirm His divinity.
barrierAnd the curtain torn in two signifies that there is no longer anybetween God and His people. The blood of Jesus is more than enough toatone for sin for all of eternity.- P34
Two thousand years later, billions of people continueto believe in Jesus as the Christ because of the evidence presented in theGospels, in archaeological findings, and in our personal lives through theHoly Spirit and the grace of God.
On this Good Friday, may we remember this powerful moment, reflectingon every detail that the Gospel of Matthew carefully records for us. Thesigns that day revealed Jesus‘ true identity to both His followers and thosehostile to Him. Let us pray that more people today would see these andother signs and recognize the truth of the gospel.- P35
Dear God, thank You for the many signs and witnesses that confirm that Jesus Christ is truly Your Son. Today, I rededicate my life to loving and serving Him and sharing His gospel at every possible opportunity. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.- P35
