The Death of Jesus
At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!”
Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome. They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.
The Burial of Jesus
This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid. Mark 15:33-47
When it all became dark and confusing
They believed he came to save them and to establish his own kingdom, save them from the tyranny of their time. The events of the last couple of hours were confusing, yes, He prepared them about coming events, but they could not have imagined things would be that bad. He told them about him and heaven being in sync and now Heaven had turned its back? The saviour is dead! Their leader is no more and darkness ruled… but that for a brief while, between twelve and three. As the son of man was clocking out, eternal life and light made its appearance, access given to all and now man, can live again! Hallelujah!!!!!
The devil thought he had his way, but out of darkness came the unquenchable light and life that we now enjoy, out of betrayal came the priceless gift of eternal life with God. Out of pain and sorrow and grief came joy unspeakable, full of glory. Out of the death of one, came the life of countless number of humanity.
Darkness gave way to life at the cross. Now the price is paid in full, now you and I can live again!
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BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:
YOU WILL MARRY WELL
GODS LADY IN WAITING
WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY
HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS
