1. 1 Cor. 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness Salvador Dali, “Crucifixion”, 1954 The Events Around the Cross 1 Cor. 1:21 God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

2. The Darkness zMatthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. Amos 8:9-10 "It will come about in that day," declares the Lord God, "That I will make the sun go down at noon And make the earth dark in broad daylight… “Then I will turn your festivals into mourning. And all your songs into lamentation…And I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son.”

3. The Darkness zMatthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?“ zPsalm 22:1 “ My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” zPsalm 22:6 “ But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people.” zPsalm 22:16 “ They pierced my hands and my feet.” zPsalm 22:18 “ They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.” zPsalm 22:7 “ All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head…” Psalm 22:15 “And You lay me in the dust of death.” Galatians 3:13 Christ 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"—

4. Mt.27:50-51 The Veil z[50] And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. yJohn 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. z[51] And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Col. 2:14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

5. The Veil zHebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. zHebrews 10:19-20 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.

6. Tombs Opened zMatthew 27:51 …The earth shook and the rocks were split, z[52] the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; z[53] and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 1 Peter 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. 1 Cor. 15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

7. The Cross: The Great Unravelling! z1 Peter 1:10-12 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries… [12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced…things into which angels long to look. 1 Cor. 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

8. Rembrandt’s “Raising of the Cross”