Matthew 27:45-46
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we approach the end of Jesus’ ordeal on the cross. Read Matthew 27:45-46 letting the enormity of these words sink in.
Over the course of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry, we have seen nature obey and yield to Jesus’ command. We saw a raging storm stop in its tracks and an angry sea suddenly go still, and we witnessed a fig tree wither from the roots at the sound of his voice.
Now nature, as if unable to look upon the death of its creator, responds by plunging the day into darkness.
Stop to contemplate the opening words of John’s Gospel:
“In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.” – John 1:1-5
As you picture the darkened sky above the cross of Jesus, share anything you are thinking or feeling with him.
Read Matthew 27:45-46 again.
Jesus is the only human who remained in unbroken relationship with God throughout his life. Because Jesus never rebelled against God’s good and perfect ways, there was never any barrier between him and God the Father. But now on the cross Jesus accepts the guilt of every act of human rebellion for all time, and for the first time, sin blocks him from the presence of a holy God.
This tearing apart of God from God is a mystery we will never fully comprehend.
Get still for a moment and let your thoughts settle. Think back to a time (or times) when guilt and shame for something you have done have made it difficult for you to speak to God in prayer and experience God’s presence.
Now contemplate the thought that Jesus has already borne the entirety of your shame and guilt so that you can come boldly before God and be forgiven. Sit with this thought while you listen to Jesus.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about it?
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