Matthew 27:45-54 (NIV)
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About 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?”).
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When 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!”
Reflect
The cross is the place where suffering and love meet. It is brutal, unjust, and yet somehow the means of redemption.
It confronts us with the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy. Jesus does not avoid suffering; He enters into it fully.
Consider
Sit with this today. Resist the urge to rush past it. Where do you see suffering in your own life or in the world? Bring it to the cross, trusting that God meets us even in the darkest places.
Pray
Suffering Savior,
Thank You for Your sacrifice and boundless love.
Help me to stand at the cross with reverence and gratitude.
Hold me in hope, even in sorrow.
Amen.
