An 8 Day Meditation for Holy Week

Good Friday

Matthew 27:27-56 (The Crucifixion)

The stars in heaven were visible. The day turned into dark night and there was no explanation for this deep darkness. If it had been at night, the full moon would have been out for it was Passover. In the Temple, the passover lamb was being prepared for slaughter. This darkness would have reminded the Jews of the three days of darkness that fell over the land of Egypt before the first born of the Egyptians were killed. They were however safe from the Angel of death, who destroys those under God’s judgement, because of the blood of the lamb that had been put on the doorpost of their homes. And their homes were filled with light, for God had not abandoned them.

Jesus had already been hanging on the cross for three hours before this darkness came upon the land. While it was light He had spoken three times asking the Father to forgive them for they know not what they do, to give assurance to one of the criminals that he would be with Him in Paradise that day, and to secure John as a son for His mother so she would be taken care of. But now, there was complete silence from Him for three long dark hours. Who is This Jesus? Why was He silent? Make no mistake— silence is profound. In another biblical instance of silence, we can see a little more detail of why Jesus may have remained silent on the cross when darkness came. In Revelation 1:8, when the seventh seal was broken there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. This silence is a sign of deep awe and respect for the Judge of heaven and earth. It is also a serious reflection on the judgement that has been revealed. This calm before the storm is due to the severity of the actions the Lord God is about to take. Silence emphasizes the impact this judgement will have on humanity.

The darkness and the silence at the cross point to us. Our sins are the reason for the impact of this judgement on Jesus, the Lamb of God. God withdrew His light that day and only darkness was left. Jesus endured the darkness, pain, and suffering on our behalf. After the darkness left, Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why has thou abandoned me?” Jesus spoke these words right before He died. He said, “I thirst,” and then shouted, “It is finished! Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” Those who assisted in His crucifixion said surely This (Jesus) is the Son of God.

On day 6 of our meditation, the only appropriate response may be to be still and silent before God. Let the impact of This Jesus and His love for us be revealed. “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21