Matthew 27:50-53
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.
As we watch while Jesus draws his last breath on the cross, read Matthew 27:50-53 allowing yourself to feel whatever it is you need to feel.
As the rebellion of all mankind settles over him, it veils Jesus’ view of the Father and the Father’s view of the Son. So wrenching is this separation of God from God that the earth cannot be still but shudders and shakes in chaos. Even the natural order of life to death is disrupted and confused by this tearing of Son from Father.
In an attempt to destroy this perfect human, evil pours itself out over Jesus until its supply is completely exhausted. As Jesus draws his last rasping breath, evil is emptied of its power to enslave.
It is finished. He has taken the ultimate consequence of human rebellion upon himself. He has not fought violence with violence or returned evil for evil. He has gone all the way to death on our behalf.
Stop to remember the ways you have attempted to rule your own life apart from Jesus over the years. Then contemplate the fact that on the cross Jesus absorbed all the pain, shame, and sorrow you have ever felt or ever caused someone else to feel.
What do you want to say to Jesus right now?
Read Matthew 27:50-53 again.
So full of restorative power is the death of Jesus that the curtain shielding the Holy of Holies in the temple tears unnaturally apart exposing the place of God’s presence. No longer do people need a human high priest to intercede for them behind the curtain. The broken covenant between God and humanity is made new in Jesus. Through him anyone has access to God.
Jesus died so that we can be free to find our life in him.
Take some time to still yourself and let your thoughts settle. Breathe in the presence of Jesus. When you feel centered, talk with Jesus sharing your thoughts and emotional responses to the story of his death on the cross. Then go to silence and listen for a while.
What does Jesus want you to remember or do today?
What will you do about that?
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