Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. —Matthew 27:45
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was such a dark event that physical darkness was manifest upon the earth. This fact should cause us to consider the true source of this darkness—our sin. God is holy and demands perfection, yet we have all fallen short (Rom. 3:23). Sin separates us from God and must be dealt with. It is only through the cross that we can be reconciled to God, and we who believe in Jesus are assured of our salvation because of His finished work on the cross.
After Jesus' resurrection, the angel who appeared at the grave was seen to be "like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow" (Matt. 28:3). The light surrounding the resurrection gives us hope for salvation—sin, death, and darkness have been conquered through the sacrifice of Christ.
Jesus said that He came as a Light into the world, "so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness" (John 14:26). Paul declares that we have been rescued from the authority of darkness, and transferred "to the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Col 1:13), and that we were "formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8).
Praise God that He loved us so much that He sent His son to take our place, bearing the penalty of sin that we deserved. The work has been done; it was finished upon the cross. Now we stand in awe as undeserving recipients of God's grace. Repent from your sin, and place your trust in Christ and His sufficient sacrifice for your salvation.
Originally published in our Spring 2024 Mission Messenger.