Passage
Matthew 27:45-66 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
The Death and Burial of Jesus
Date: Dec. 28, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 27:54b
First, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" (45-50). It became dark in Jesus' last three hours. Jesus cried out. Some people thought it was a cry to Elijah and offered him wine vinegar. But Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When Jesus bore our sins on the cross, he felt abandoned by God. His pain was more than physical and emotional. Jesus cried loudly once more and gave up his spirit. His death fulfilled his mission to save us from our sins (1:21).
Second, "Surely he was the Son of God!" (51-66) When Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn in two, the earth shook, and tombs broke open. Jesus' death gave life. The centurion and other guards confessed, "Surely he was the Son of God." Some faithful, caring women witnessed all this. A rich disciple named Joseph got Pilate's permission for Jesus' body, and buried Jesus in his own new tomb. Some women saw this too. The Pharisees worried about a resurrection deception and persuaded Pilate to secure the tomb and post a guard.
Prayer: Eternal thanks and praise to you Jesus, Son of God, for you took the shame, pain and separation of the cross for me.
One Word: Jesus died to give us life
