Knowing The Word in Luke 23:44-49, The Death of Jesus

Most Good Friday services are held from noon till 3:00 pm, the time of darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour as described by Luke. Luke does not say what caused the darkness. The curtain in the Temple that tears in two symbolizes the separateness and remoteness of God. The tearing gives symbolic representation to the truth that the death of Jesus has opened a way for the very presence of God with his people. There is also the understanding that the Temple is no longer the place of God’s dwelling. Jesus is one with the Father as he breathes his final breath. None of the gospel writers says that Jesus died, which is perhaps on purpose to express Jesus’ death is most unusual. The first reaction is from a Gentile centurion, the man overseeing Jesus’ execution. In the death of Jesus, he saw God at work. Why did a Gentile and not a Jew have this insight? Instead of being entertained by the events, the crowd is saddened. Luke speaks of Jesus’ followers standing at a distance, perhaps revealing his eye witness sources. It is interesting that he records nothing about their emotions or reactions at the death of their beloved.

Luke 23:44-49

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

Prayer

Hear us, O merciful Lord Jesus Christ, and remember now the hour in which thou didst commend thy blessed spirit into the hands of thy heavenly Father; and so assist us by this thy most precious death, that, being dead unto the world, we may live only unto thee; and that, at the hour of our departing from this mortal life, we may be received into thine everlasting kingdom, there to reign with thee, world without end.

John Cosin, 1594-1672