Matthew 27:45-46

Matthew 27:45-46 (ESV): “45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””

Jesus was forsaken so we do not have to be. The Father poured out His wrath against our sin upon His Son so that we could have a way of escape. Jesus is our deliverance from divine wrath and eternal damnation. Praise God for Jesus!

After Jesus was sentenced to die by the command of Pilate, He was beaten and then crucified at the third hour, around 9 a.m. Darkness fell upon the land from the sixth hour to the ninth hour, from noon to 3 p.m. It was during this time that Jesus bore the wrath of God as our substitute. That is why He cried out from the cross, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus then gave up His spirit, just as the Scriptures had foretold. His death became the gateway through which forgiveness is offered to many.

How incredible is it that He who knew no sin became sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God? Jesus took the wrath for your sin so you do not have to. The penalty had to be paid in order for redemption to be given. The beautiful truth is that His sacrifice is sufficient for all, and anyone who calls upon Him for salvation will receive it. What an incredible gift of life, given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. May all Christians rejoice daily because of what Jesus has done!

Father, thank You for saving our souls through the blood of the Lamb. May we meditate upon His finished work and live lives worthy of His suffering. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.