As Jesus hung on the cross, darkness covered the land, signifying the weight of judgment of sin that he bore on himself. Jesus experienced the separation from God, the barrier that sin creates, and cried out in his agony (46). As he gave up his spirit, the temple curtain was torn, showing that the barrier preventing sinners from coming to the Lord had been removed (51).

Jesus' death was not a tragic defeat but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. God completely broke the power of sin and opened the way for us to come to him freely. The centurion saw the evidence of the work of God through Jesus' death, and made a confession, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (54b)

Even as Jesus was buried and his tomb secured by guards, God's purpose could not be stopped. Those who opposed Jesus did everything they could to prevent Jesus’ body from being stolen. However, all their efforts were in vain before the power of resurrection (64-66).
Application: Father, I praise you for your faithfulness. Thank you for completing your redemptive work despite our unfaithfulness. I rejoice in the privilege to come to you as I am.
One Word: Jesus’ death won a great victory