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| When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 |
Read: Luke 23:44-56
'He breathed His last' : This momentous event in history is recorded with such brevity. The Gospel writers make no attempt to dramatize or play on our emotions. The stark facts are given, and in just six verses 44- 49, six significant details are described. What do you find most striking?
A shaft of light in the darkness : For the women and followers of Jesus, there could have been no glimmer of light that day! They had sunk to the depths of grief, loneliness and despair. It was only later that they could realize that out of death would come life, salvation, joy and light. The temple curtain was torn in two, symbolizing the new an living way opened up for us through the death of Jesus. (Heb.10:19-22). Have you discovered the joyous privilege of coming into His presence?
The secret disciples: Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council, was a secret disciple 'for fear of the Jews' (Jn. 19:38), but now He and Nicodemus, who had visited Jesus at night (John 3) had the courage to ask for the body of Jesus. Condemned criminals lost the right to a proper burial. Their bodies were thrown on a garbage dump outside the city; so Joseph's action ensured that the Son of God was buried with dignity and love in his own new tomb. (Matt 27:59, 60). He defiled himself for Passover week, but it made no difference: he had met the Lamb of God, and that was all that mattered.
Respond: Out of my shameful failure and loss
Into the glorious gain of the cross,
Jesus, I come to thee.
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