By: Michael Mankaruos, Grade 12
Passage: Matthew 27:32 to 56
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” Matthew 27:50,51
When we think of Christ’s experience on the cross and the hours leading up to his death, we don’t really think of glory. We think of the spitting, striking, scourging, humiliation, suffocation and other unthinkable sufferings that the Lord experienced during those hours. But these awful acts are the very things that truly made what Jesus dealt with on the cross full of glory.
It really is a paradox! When we meditate on how Christ, being perfect, God INCARNATE, and the least worthy to suffer the consequences of our sins, willingly allows himself to be crucified and suffer that punishment for us, it truly shows us the depth of his love.
Jesus’ love is further manifested in the tearing of the curtain of the temple. Only the high priest is allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of God, and even then, only once a year. But now, through the cross, Christ’s love is given to us, free of charge.
The cross truly was a fijng shape for his crucifixion. As Jesus hung on the cross, his arms were opened wide and calling us all to participate in his love. How could the temple curtain not tear? The love of God was being poured out to all the people of the earth, from generaMon to generaMon! Likewise, how could the earth not shake, nor the rocks split, as their Creator made the ultimate sacrifice for those upon whom he had imparted His image?
Prayer
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when you gave up your Spirit on the cross, you gave us yourself – yourself being your love. For you truly are love, Lord.
We ask you, O Lord our God, that through your grace you may forgive us for the sins we have commi6ed against you: for every Mme we spit, struck, scourged, humiliated, or suffocated you.
Fill our hearts with your love, that we may become temples for you. Amen