“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (Luke 23:44-45 ESV).
As Jesus hung on the cross, an extraordinary darkness covered the land. The Light of the World was dying, and creation itself responded. The sun, which had shone faithfully since the beginning, faded as the Son gave up His life. This darkness was more than a physical event; it displayed the spiritual darkness we once walked in, separated from God by our sin. On the cross, Jesus took our sin, our death, and our separation upon Himself.
At the same time, the heavy curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom. This was no coincidence. Jesus’ death shook the physical world, but it also shook the spiritual order. The torn curtain symbolized the opening of direct access to God. No longer would the barrier of sin keep us from the Father. The way into His presence was made clear through the death of His Son. Yet the cross was not the end of the story. For three days later, Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death and offering eternal life to all who believe.
We once lived in darkness, lost and separated from the life of God. But because of Jesus, we now walk in the light. He has removed the curtain that stood between us and the Father. Let us live each day as those who have been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light. We can draw near to God with full assurance, rejoicing in the victory Jesus won through His death and resurrection. May our lives reflect the gratitude and hope that come from knowing the Light of the World lives and shines forever.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You that when Jesus died, He bore our sin, our death, and our separation. We praise You that death and darkness could not hold Him, and that through His resurrection, we have been brought into Your light. Help us to live as people who no longer walk in darkness. Teach us to treasure the access we now have to You. Fill our hearts with gratitude and boldness as we follow the risen Christ each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.