Luke 23:44-49
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on 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 you read Luke 23:44-49, imagine being alive on this day in history.
As Jesus nears death nature is thrown into chaos, and for three hours the daylight becomes as dark as night. Matthew tells us that as Jesus dies, the earth shakes so violently that the tombs in the vicinity open up, and the very order of life and death is temporarily reversed (Matthew 27:51-53).
The curtain shielding the holiest place in the temple – the place of God’s presence – is torn in two as if by the very hand of God. There is no longer a barrier between God and humanity. Jesus has shouldered the consequences the broken covenant, and the new covenant drips from Jesus’ wounds and pools at the foot of the cross.
Jesus’ work is finished, and the author of our faith entrusts himself to God.
Sit in silence as you contemplate the death of Jesus and notice whatever Jesus might want you to notice.
Read Luke 23:44-49 again.
Jesus came into the world quietly on a starlit night, and the only extraordinary sign of his birth was given to a few shepherds. But there is nothing quiet or ordinary about the last hours of his life. As Jesus breathes his final breaths, creation writhes in agony. And no one can deny that something awful has occurred. Even the hardened pagan Roman executioner is shaken to his core and humbles himself to worship God. And a great veil of sadness falls over everyone.
But there are a few who still hold on to some ephemeral shred of hope. These are the “friends” of Jesus – the ones who believe in him despite their inability to fully understand what has transpired or what is to come. They stay - and they watch and wait.
Return to silence as you contemplate these various responses to the death of Jesus. Then think of a dark time in your life when the light of hope seemed to have been snuffed out. Did you give in to the sadness? Did you worship God? Did you continue to watch and wait for Jesus even though you didn’t understand?
Share your thoughts and emotions with Jesus and then get quiet and listen to him.
How might Jesus be inviting you to respond to him today?
What will you do about that?
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