Many supernatural events occur at Jesus' death. The first is a darkness...
Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"A Miraculous Death"
April 14, 2017
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!" ... (Luke 23:46a, ESV)
Read Luke 23:44-49
Many supernatural events occur at Jesus' death. The first is a darkness that covered the whole land from midday until three in the afternoon. This darkness indicates God's judgment, as Jesus is punished for the sins of the whole world.
At 3 p.m. a second miracle takes place in the temple. The thick curtain dividing the two rooms of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom. This curtain represents our separation from God on account of our sins. Throughout the Old Testament only one person could pass through it-the high priest. But now God's Son-our great High Priest-has torn down the dividing barrier, so all who believe in Jesus have direct access to God the Father forever.
At this same moment Jesus cries out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!" Jesus wants everyone to hear His intense satisfaction and joy because peace with God has now been won for all. Now that He has finished the work for which He was born, Jesus commends His spirit into His Father's hands.
Then the third miracle takes place. Immediately after uttering this loud cry, Jesus dies. The Roman centurion knows crucified criminals don't die this way. Their lungs slowly fill with fluid, and their last moments are desperate gasps for air. There is no way Jesus should be able to utter a loud cry the moment before He dies. Thinking of the unnatural darkness, the unnatural way Jesus died, and all the injustices Jesus suffered, he says, "Certainly this man was innocent."
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when You completed Your earthly course You committed Your spirit into Your Father's keeping. Give me confidence that I am safe in Your hands now and forever. Amen
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