Until Three in the Afternoon

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.

Matthew 27:45 (NABRE)

Good Friday is a solemn day in the liturgical calendar that holds a special place in the hearts of Christians worldwide, regardless of their denomination. It marked the momentous occasion when a beautiful and selfless exchange occurred at Calvary nearly 2000 years ago. This day is a time for sober reflection and deep contemplation as we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. It reminds us of the immense love, grace, and mercy of our Lord and Savior. 

The Bible tells us that: 

And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mtt 27:46 (NABRE)

The text draws attention to a profound moment in the life of Jesus. As he took on the sin of all humanity, he cried out loudly, bearing the weight of sin and the world's brokenness. In that moment, the Son of God experienced for a split second what it was to have no communion with the Father due to sin. This unimaginable separation from God, even if only for a moment, highlights the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and his willingness to take on the sins of humanity. It's a reminder of the incredible selfless love and endless grace that Jesus offers to all who turn to him. 

When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It was a moment of intense anguish and suffering, as he was bearing the weight of all humanity's sins on his shoulders. Despite this, he remained committed to his mission of salvation, enduring the pain and humiliation of the cross to offer us the gift of eternal life.

This selfless act of sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of Jesus' love for us and the lengths to which he was willing to go to redeem us. Through his death and resurrection, we are allowed to be forgiven and reconciled with God and to experience the true joy and peace that comes from a life in him. 

The words “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” were spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross as he cried out to God in his moment of agony. The Apostle Paul wrote that Christ was made to be sin for our sake.

In the Christian tradition, sin is seen as a fundamental separation from God, a state of being that all humans are born into. By taking on the burden of sin, Christ was momentarily separated from God and experienced the total weight of humanity's sin. This timeless and powerful one-time self-sacrifice was meant to bring about redemption and reconciliation between humanity and God.

The words of the Apostle Paul remind us that Christ's sacrifice was not just an abstract theological concept but a real and tangible act of love and compassion. Through his suffering, Christ showed us the depth of God's love and the lengths to which God will go to save us from our brokenness and sinfulness. 

Paul eloquently puts it this way: 

 For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. 

2 Cor. 5:21 AMPC

This verse emphasizes the message of hope and redemption offered to us through the sacrificial act of Good Friday. It highlights the profound significance of the event and how it continues to resonate with many of us even today. The verse serves as a reminder that there is always hope for those who come to Christ and that redemption is not only possible but attainable through the grace of God. 

The text highlights the profound impact of faith on our lives, emphasizing its transformative power and the new possibilities it can offer. It reflects on the journey of faith, which can often be challenging but is ultimately rewarding and fulfilling. It acknowledges the struggles that we may face but also encourages us to embrace the hope and joy that faith can bring. The text invites us to explore the spiritual experiences that faith can offer and to celebrate the new life it can get. It is a beautiful reminder that, amid life's challenges, faith can be a powerful source of strength, comfort, and inspiration.