Luke 23 - Day 422

Luke 23 - Day 422  (link to today's reading)

Scripture: Luke 23:44-45

Commentary: Luke noted four things that occurred at the time Jesus died. First, two symbolic events took place while Jesus was on the cross. Darkness came over the whole land for three hours, from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.). Jesus had already told those who arrested Him that “this is your hour—when darkness reigns” (22:53). Darkness was reigning because of His crucifixion. The other symbolic event was the tearing in two of the curtain of the temple, which separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple. The curtain divided people from the place where God had localized His presence. The tearing from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51) symbolized the fact that now, because of Jesus’ death, people had freer access to God as they no longer had to go through the sacrificial system (cf. Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18; 3:12). Jesus was the only Sacrifice needed to enable people to have a proper relationship with God.

Second, Luke noted that Jesus’ death occurred because He willed it. Breathing His last (Luke 23:46), He voluntarily gave up His life (John 10:15, 17–18).

Third, even a Roman centurion noted that Jesus was a righteous Man, that is, not guilty (Luke 23:47). He too praised God, as did many others in Luke’s Gospel.

Fourth, the people who witnessed His death mourned (vv. 48–49).

 Martin, J. A. (1985). Luke. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 262–263). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Application: The temple veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple is said to have been 30 feet high, 30 feet wide, by 4 inches thick.  When Jesus died, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom giving everyone access to God directly.  Enter the throne room of heaven and sit at your Father's feet.

Prayer: Abba Father, You are Holy...