Luke 23:44-49 "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when JESUS had cried with a loud voice, HE said, FATHER, into THY hands I commend MY SPIRIT: and having said thus, HE gave up the GHOST. Now when the Centurion saw what was done, he glorified GOD, saying, Certainly this was a righteous MAN. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all HIS acquaintance, and the women that followed HIM from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things."
Those who were numbered among CHRIST's disciples watched HIM on the cross. Even though many had once claimed that they would never forsake their MASTER, when it came to the crucifixion of JESUS, "all. . .stood afar off" (v.49). From the sixth hour until the ninth hour when HE at last "gave up the GHOST" (vv.44-46), darkness covered the scene, preventing the gaze of those who "watched HIM from there" (Matthew 27:36) -- this transaction between GOD the FATHER and HIS SON was too monumental for any mental eye to behold. From the portals of Heaven the FATHER, too, was watching this terrible scene, but even HE turned away as JESUS bore the sin of the world upon HIMSELF (Matthew 27:46). The resurrection of many saints around Jerusalem spoke to the magnitude of this momentous event (Matthew 27:50-53 pictured above), revealing the HOLY SPIRIT's resurrection power that will one day likewise become every believer's portion
Notice the final impact: The Centurion concluded, "Certainly this was a righteous MAN" (v.47), and, "Truly this was the SON of GOD" (Matthew 27:54 pictured above). Furthermore, JESUS promised the repentant thief, " To day shalt thou be with ME in paradise" (v.43). Praise the LORD for those who trusted in CHRST and were saved ! Praise the LORD, also, for the disciples who "stood afar off, beholding these things" (v.49), they would soon experience the power of CHRIST's resurrection that would enable them to live for HIS glory.
Finally, consider the change in all the others present who " smote their breasts, and returned" (v.48 pictured above) -- no more arrogance and no more reviling. Even the proud soldiers and the self-righteous religionists felt the sobering impact of JESUS CHRIST's death. DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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