Conclusion of "Certainly This Was God's Son"

Furthermore, at the moment Jesus dies, the huge curtain that divides the Holy from the Most Holy in God's temple is rent in two, from top to bottom. Apparently this beautifully ornamented curtain is some 60 feet high and very heavy! The astonishing miracle not only manifests God's wrath against the killers of His Son but signifies that the way into the Most Holy, heaven itself, is not made possible by Jesus' death.

Well, when people feel the earthquake and see the things happening, they grow very much afraid. The army officer in charge at the execution gives glory to God. "Certainly this as God's Son," he proclaims. Likely he had been present when the claim of divine sonship was discussed at Jesus' trial before Pilate. And now he is convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, yes, that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived.

Others too are overcome by these miraculous events, and they begin by returning home beating their breasts as a gesture of their intense grief and shame. Observing the spectacle at a distance are many female disciples of Jesus who are deeply moved by these momentous events. The apostle John is also present. Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; 2:3, 4, 35; John 19:25-30.

Next time: Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991