Introduction

We have come to final part of the series of “Watching Jesus die”. Today we are paying our attention to verses 45-54. Lets allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.

1. The darkness – God’s judgment, (Matthew 27:45-46)

A. Jesus forsaken by the heavenly Father

I. A heaven sent darkness that lasted for 3 hours. A sign of divine judgment.

II. There were three days of darkness in Egypt before the Passover (Exodus 20:21-23)

III. Jesus: silent for these three hours while He became the sin offering for the world (John 1:29) and was forsaken by the father.

B. Separation from God – Eli – Eli lama sabacthani

I. My God – my God, why have you forsaken me?

II. Jesus was conscious of being abandoned by the Father.

III. Agonizing for Jesus as He knew God so intimately. (illustration: can you separate a child from his mother?)

C. Application

I. The wages of sin is death. Jesus paid that wage on our behalf.

II. Sin separates man from God – Jesus became sin himself and experienced isolation by God so that our relationship with God will be restored.

III. Sin demands God’s wrath upon the sinner. Today every sinner is can receive God’s grace because Jesus Christ Himself bore God’s wrath.

IV. You will receive forgiveness too, if you believe.

2. Jesus’ death – the shout of victory, (Matthew 27:47-53)

A. Jesus shouted out a cry of victory

I. How could He while being in such a weak condition?

II. The key: John 19:30 “Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

III. It was a shout of victory.

B. Jesus was victorious because,

I. He completed the task. “…loud voice and gave up his spirit.” Jesus had full control over his time of death. He didn’t gave up His life until He accomplished His mission.

II. He knew that God will resurrect him in the 3rd day after the burial.

III. The veil of the temple was torn (v. 51) – This indicates that He conquered sin.

IV. An earthquake opened many graves (v. 52) – This suggests He conquered the law.

V. Some saints rose from the dead (v. 52-53) – These prove that He defeated death.

C. Application

I. Jesus conquered sin. Are you still struggling with your sin and addictions?

II. Do you refrain from sin because of it’s consequences – or because you love the Lord for what he did upon the cross?

III. We have problems in this life. But we have the blessed hope of rising to a perfect life in the time to come.

3. Faith at the cross – The Roman centurion’s confession, (Matthew 27:54)

A. The Centurion and the guards

I. These were the same people who crucified Christ and gambled for His clothes

II. They were terrified by the miraculous darkness and earth quake.

III. The priests at the temple were convinced of Jesus’ authenticity when they saw that the veil was torn.

B. Application

I. Find faith at the cross of Christ.

II. The Centurion decided Jesus is indeed the son of God.

III. What about you? Whom do you think Jesus is?

Conclusion

This Good Friday, take time to think about Christ’s sufferings that He experienced so that you and I can experience freedom.