Luke 23:44-48 describes the events that occurred during and after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This passage is significant because it emphasizes the darkness that occurred during the crucifixion, the significance of Jesus' death, and the immediate response of those who witnessed it.
The passage begins with Luke 23:44, which reads, "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour." This darkness is significant because it occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus and is believed by many to have been a supernatural occurrence. The darkness may have symbolized the weight of sin and the separation between God and humanity that occurred during this event.
The passage then continues with Luke 23:45, which reads, "The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two." This verse further emphasizes the supernatural nature of the crucifixion and its significance. The tearing of the veil in the temple may have symbolized the opening of access to God through the death of Jesus.
Following this, Luke 23:46 describes Jesus' final words on the cross: "Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' Having said this, he breathed his last." This statement is significant because it shows Jesus' complete trust in God and his acceptance of his own death.
After Jesus' death, Luke 23:47-48 describes the response of those who witnessed it: "When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, 'Certainly this was a righteous man.' All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts." The response of the centurion, who was a Roman soldier, is significant because it shows that even those who were not Jewish or followers of Jesus recognized the significance of his death. The response of the crowds, beating their breasts, may have been a sign of mourning or remorse for their role in Jesus' death.
Overall, Luke 23:44-48 is a significant passage that emphasizes the supernatural nature of the crucifixion and its significance. The darkness and tearing of the temple veil symbolize the weight of sin and the opening of access to God through Jesus' death. Jesus' final words on the cross show his complete trust in God, and the response of the centurion and crowds emphasize the significance of Jesus' death even to those who were not his followers.
This passage also serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the importance of accepting his death and trusting in God. It is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's love for humanity and the lengths he was willing to go to bring us back to himself.
Luke 23:44-48. It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.