Matthew 27

 Matthew 27:33-56    "... when they had come to a place called Golgotha.. " We call it "Calvary".. both words mean "skull".   Perhaps because of the executions carried out there.. perhaps for some other reason. Jesus was led to the place where He would be crucified.  Matthew quickly records it.. "they gave Him wine to drink mingles with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him..." 

They cast lots for His clothes.

They kept watch.

They put the sign up.. "This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews."

They brought the two robbers.. 

Those "passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads."

They taunted and mocked.. and tested Him.

They insulted and ridiculed Him.. until...

"Now about the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.." Jesus called out to the Father ... "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?"  Then, crying out one more time, He "yielded up His spirit." 

The veil was torn.

The earth shook.

The tombs were opened.

The "saints who had fallen asleep were raised.." 

And the centurion and the guards trembled.. "Truly this was the Son of God." 

The women watched..

And.. the world would never be the same again.. 

"It's Friday.. But Sunday's coming!"  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father in heaven, gratefully we bow before You, knowing that if this had not happened.. if Christ had never been crucified.. if He had not done Your will.. drank the cup.. given up His spirit.. We would still be lost in sin, with no hope of salvation... no hope of eternal life.. no hope for life of any kind.  Thank You Jesus! Thank You that this is not the end of the story!  Thank You for revealing these truths to us so that we can know You and become Your children.. forever Yours. Hallelujah! Amen.