Crucifixion of Jesus Christ –The most important event of all time –A scene of horrific suffering –The outpouring of unparalleled love by the Creator for those made in His image –It was surrounded by miraculous events Darkness over the land for 3 hours Veil of the temple torn in two at His death Earthquake that split rocks Resurrected people arose and walked in the city AFTER His resurrection

Darkness at Noon Matthew 27:33-54

Introduction Why were there 3 hours of darkness? 1.What actually happened? 2.What does it mean? 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

1. What Actually Happened? Matthew indicates it started at the sixth hour –Sixth hour = 12 noon –Ninth hour = 3 PM Literal darkness occurred at the brightest time of the day Matthew, Mark, & Luke record it –None record how dark it became 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

1. What Actually Happened? Alternative Explanations –Solar eclipse Jesus was crucified at Passover Passover fell on a full moon Solar eclipse lasts minutes, not hours –Thick cloud cover Hard to believe 3 gospel writers would be so impressed with a weather phenomenon The centurion would not have been impressed enough to say, “Truly, this was the Son of God” vs Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

1. What Actually Happened? This was a supernatural event –Similar to the darkness that fell over Egypt during the 9th plague (Exodus 10:21), “a darkness which may be felt” –So, what does it mean? 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? Two questions: –Did the Holy Spirit intend to emphasize this by inspiring three gospel writers? –Is there any significance why this took place while Jesus hung on the cross? The Bible does not specifically say Four major explanations to review 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? A.God’s way of covering Jesus’ shame Did Jesus experience shame? Yes! Heb 12:2, Heb 6:6 Additionally, men were generally crucified naked, without the scraps of cloth illustrated in paintings Jesus did experience shame while on the cross - that shame is really ours 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? B.A sign to call attention to what was happening at Golgotha Jerusalem busy with celebrants getting their Passover lambs ready to sacrifice Most may not have known God’s Passover Lamb 1 Cor 5:7 was being sacrificed outside the city The crucifixion had been a series of illegal trials and a rush to judgment The crowd was most likely just too busy to care 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? C.God turning away from His Son Supported in the text, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” vs 46 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us...” 2 Cor 5:21 “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’” Gal 3:13 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? D.What was left when God removed His presence “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 Jn 1:5 Where God is, light is. When God leaves, darkness gathers. “...dwelling in unapproachable light...” 1 Tim 6:16 Is it just a coincidence that the Bible’s description of hell is a place of darkness? 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? D.What was left when God removed His presence (con’t) Is it just a coincidence that the Bible’s description of hell is a place of darkness? The same cry from Jesus will echo there many times over, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet, there will be no resurrection in 3 days to make things better There will only be perpetual darkness and punishment, due to the forever absence of the Creator 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

2. What Does this Mean? Four interpretations of the darkness A.God’s way of covering up Jesus’ shame B.A sign to call attention to what was going on at Golgotha C.God turning away from His Son D.What was left when God removed His presence One Savior who conquered the darkness and sin all alone 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. NKJV

Jesus tasted the darkness and punishment so you would not have to. But, we must come to Him on His terms and remain faithful to death. I intend to go to my own grave with His great salvation. I don’t want to miss Jesus. I hope that you will go to yours with His salvation too. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 1 Thes 5:9-10