The Death (Luke 23:44-49)

The moment of Jesus’ death arrives and is accompanied by cosmic and supernatural signs. The world goes dark from around noon until three. The sun’s light failed. This darkness is something strange and notable. It could not have been simply an eclipse, even though that is often seen as a supernatural sign as well. God himself is commenting on the events happening on the cross. At the same time that the sun fails, a curtain in the temple is torn. Whether this is the curtain separating the outer courts from the inner, or the one guarding the Holy of Holies, the message is the same. God is done dealing with humanity through the temple. The death of Jesus is bringing the sacrificial system to an end.

Jesus speaks from the cross right before his death. He quotes Psalm 31:5. “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Jesus is trusting God. This Psalm was used by Jews as they turned to sleep, entrusting their lives at night to God. Here, Jesus does the same as he enters death. He knows that God will vindicate his sacrifice and resurrect him in victory.

The centurion in charge of the crucifixion, witnessing the cosmic signs and Jesus’ behavior, declares he certainty that Jesus had been innocent. The crowd itself, the mass that had been mocking and jeering before, were deeply impacted by Jesus’ death. Luke says they returned to their lodgings “beating their breasts.” Jesus’ followers were there as well, witnessing the events from a distance, probably due to fear of the crowds that had been so hostile up to that point.

Luke has brought the story up to this point with a clear intent. Jesus has been killed by the crowds and the Roman system despite his complete innocence. He is the sacrificial Lamb of God.