Luke 23:44-47 is about the moment of Jesus’s death on the cross, signified by darkness coming over the land, the veil of the temple being torn, and a Roman centurion recognizing Jesus as a righteous man.
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!”
Setting the Scene for Luke 23:44-47
The scene described in Luke 23:44-47 takes place at Golgotha, the place of the Skull, where Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals. The sky darkens in the middle of the day, and an eerie stillness falls over the land. The crowd that had gathered to witness the crucifixion is hushed, struck by the sudden darkness that envelops them.
In the midst of this darkness, Jesus cries out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Those standing nearby, including the centurion in charge of the crucifixion, are filled with awe and fear at the sight before them. The centurion, witnessing the events unfolding, declares, “Surely this man was innocent.”
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also present at Golgotha, along with Mary Magdalene and the disciple whom Jesus loved, John. They stand at the foot of the cross, their hearts heavy with grief as they watch their beloved teacher and friend suffer. The scene is one of profound sorrow and yet, amidst the darkness and despair, there is a glimmer of hope as Jesus entrusts his spirit to the Father and the centurion acknowledges the innocence of the one they have crucified.
What is Luke 23:44-47 about?
Jesus, the Son of God, willingly gives his life on the cross in this profound verse, where we witness the ultimate sacrifice and act of love. Despite facing unimaginable suffering and pain, Jesus exemplifies unwavering faith and submission to God’s will. Jesus demonstrates the importance of trust and obedience in the face of adversity by acknowledging God’s sovereignty even in his final moments. Through his selfless act, Jesus not only fulfills God’s plan for salvation but also offers forgiveness to all who believe in him.
Have you ever thought about the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and what it means for your own faith journey? This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless love and grace that God extends to us through the death of his Son. It challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with God and the ways in which we can embody Christ’s example of forgiveness and surrender. Let us contemplate the significance of Jesus’ final words on the cross and be inspired to live lives of faith, love, and reconciliation as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior.
Understanding what Luke 23:44-47 really means
In Luke 23:44-47, we are transported to the poignant scene of Jesus’ crucifixion, where supernatural events unfold, and witnesses react to the unfolding drama. The darkness that envelops the land symbolizes the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice and the cosmic impact of his death, signifying a world in mourning over the Son of God’s crucifixion. As the temple curtain tears in two, a powerful symbol emerges: the old covenant giving way to the new, granting humanity direct access to God through Jesus, removing the barriers that once stood between Creator and creation.
In his final moments, Jesus utters the words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” showcasing his unwavering trust and submission to God, even in the face of death. This act of obedience underscores his fulfillment of the divine mission he was sent to accomplish. The centurion, witnessing these extraordinary events, acknowledges, “Surely this was a righteous man,” recognizing Jesus’ innocence and divinity. This Roman officer’s declaration signifies the Gentiles’ acceptance of Jesus’ true identity, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Parallel passages like Matthew 27:51-54 reinforce the tearing of the temple curtain and the centurion’s proclamation, emphasizing the profound theological implications of these events. Hebrews 10:19-20 further elucidates the significance of the torn curtain, illustrating believers’ newfound confidence to approach God through the sacrificial blood of Jesus. Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 31:5 in his final moments not only fulfills scripture but also underscores his deep connection to the Psalms, highlighting the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.
Today, the torn temple curtain serves as a potent symbol of the restored relationship between humanity and God, inviting all to approach the Creator directly through Jesus. Jesus’ unwavering trust in God amidst suffering inspires believers to lean on God’s plan, even in life’s darkest moments. The centurion’s acknowledgment of Jesus’ righteousness challenges individuals to seek and embrace the truth about Jesus, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs.
Consider a person burdened by past mistakes, feeling unworthy to approach God. This passage offers reassurance that through Jesus, the barrier has been dismantled, granting access to God’s forgiveness and grace. Similarly, in contemporary times, someone experiencing a transformative event may come to a profound realization of faith, akin to the centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ righteousness post-crucifixion.
In conclusion, Luke 23:44-47 encapsulates the profound impact of Jesus’ sacrifice, ushering in a new covenant and beckoning believers to trust in God’s plan, embrace their direct access to Him through Jesus, and acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ identity and mission. This passage stands as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the universal invitation to partake in the redemptive work of the Son of God.
How can we respond to Jesus’s sacrifice for us?
We can respond to Jesus’s sacrifice for us by recognizing the gravity of His death on the cross. This passage emphasizes the darkness that covered the land and the curtain in the temple being torn in two, symbolizing the weight of Jesus’s sacrifice and the access we now have to God through Him. We can approach God with gratitude and awe for the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for our redemption in response.
Furthermore, we can respond to Jesus’s sacrifice by confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness. The centurion in this passage acknowledges Jesus’s innocence, highlighting the purity and holiness of Christ. We can come before God with repentant hearts, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness, knowing that Jesus’s sacrifice has provided a way for us to be reconciled to God in light of His sacrifice.
Additionally, we can respond to Jesus’s sacrifice by living a life that reflects His love and grace. We can respond with remorse for our sins and a commitment to live in a way that honors His sacrifice, just as the crowds who witnessed Jesus’s crucifixion went away beating their breasts in mourning. This may involve loving others, showing compassion, and sharing the good news of the gospel with those around us as a way to demonstrate our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.
Application
Reflect on the powerful message of Jesus’ sacrifice, and let it ignite a fire within you to spread His teachings and love to those around you. Don’t just watch from the sidelines; be an active participant in sharing His grace and compassion with the world. The sacrifice made on that cross speaks to us even in the modern complexities of life. Will you heed the call to carry His message forward and brighten the lives of others with His light?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.