Study 46

Jesus dies

All deaths are solemn events but nothing in the whole history of mankind is as important as this death. There are four essential points we need to study if we are to understand what is taking place.

Judgement

Firstly, the judgement of God falls on Christ. At mid-day, darkness covers the country as God hides His comfort from His Son: "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21) , "He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). This is why Jesus says, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" (verse 34).

No-one can understand the depths of sin, although we see the terrible consequences in death, suffering and wickedness every day. We can only see a little of how the holy, perfect God views our sin. Yet we must thank God for providing a final settlement for sin in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Misunderstanding

Secondly, the misunderstanding crowd. In verses 35 and 36 we see that as the Saviour of the world dies people laugh and mock. Christ is alone as was prophesied 1000 years earlier, "You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you. Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless. I looked for sympathy but there was none, for comforters but I found none. They put gall in my food and give me vinegar for my thirst." (Psalm 69:19-21). In the greatest moment in the history of the world, even the people present misunderstand and mock.

Complete

Thirdly, the work is complete. In the Old Testament, the most sacred place was the part of the temple where God would meet the Jewish high priest once a year and sacrifice a spotless lamb for the sins of the people. This holy place was cut off to all but the high priest by a heavy curtain. But as Jesus died the curtain was dramatically torn, showing that now all believers can approach God and have “confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus."(Hebrews 10: 19).

Jesus did not die as an example or to bring us to church. He died to reconcile us to God, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18).

Understanding

Finally, the centurion. This man shows he understands what is going on. He is not a high priest or even a Jew but in the middle of this bloodshed, confusion and darkness he sees good news. He recognised that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 1:1).

Time to think

Do you truly understand the significance of Jesus’ death for you?
How can you see that God hates sin?

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