The resurrection of Jesus Christ was a miracle. There were also miracles on the day of the crucifixion.

The temple veil was torn in two, from top to bottom. The way to God was now open to all.

The earthquake opened bombs. Saints of old walked the streets of Jerusalem.

Jesus dismissed His Spirit. He did not die because organs shut down. Death by crucifixion usually took days and occurred after the legs were broken. Jesus was on the cross for six hours.

A centurion stood at the foot of the cross and said, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” He was the second person saved that day. All who come to the cross and confess Christ are saved. The penitent thief on the cross was the other one who saw salvation at the cross.

Sunday we will celebrate the glory of the resurrection, but between now and then we must come to the cross and the day now known as Good Friday. 

During the first three hours there was physical light but spiritual darkness. The second three hours brought spiritual light but physical darkness.

The hours 9:00-12:00 found man working. From 12:00-3:00 God was working.

The first three hours Jesus was suffering at the hands of men. The second three hours he was suffering for the sins of man.

The first three hours He became sin. The second three hours He bore that sin away.

No gospel writer describes the death of Christ since darkness covered the cross like a veil from noon until 3:00 because a transaction was taking place between Father and Son.

It was always at the hour of 3:00 that a lamb was slain in ritual ceremony. This time it was the Lamb of God that was slain for the sins of the world, and in that moment, the sin-debt was paid in full for all who trust in Christ.

It had to be this way. No cross, no crown.