Stand in the Gap

Jesus lived a remarkable life. But the Apostle Paul drives home the point that the key to everything in which we hope and believe rests upon Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. (continue reading…)

This amazing video illustrates the significance of the tearing of the temple curtain when Jesus died. The veil is torn, the barrier down and nothing can separate us now.

“Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Mark 15:37-38

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Three crosses photo from Inspiks Flickr group

Though fully God, Jesus took on the same humanity as you and I in order to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. (Hebrews 2:17) He felt all the same emotions we do and even was faced with temptation. But on Good Friday, He faced worse suffering and pain than we can imagine. And Jesus knew full well what He was facing. (Mark 14:34 Luke 22:44)

Jesus endured extreme physical torture. He was spit on, whipped, nailed to a cross, lifted up for all to see and then speared. (Isaiah 52:14 Mark 15:17 John 19:1 John 19:18 John 19:34) He endured humiliation and taunting. (Matthew 27:40 John 19:3)

But the worst suffering of all for Jesus must have been spiritual. A man who was without sin, yet on that day bore the weight of the sins of the entire world upon Himself. Separated completely from God the Father as He died a criminal’s death upon that Cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21 1 John 2:2 1 Peter 2:24) It was our sin that caused Jesus to cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). (continue reading…)

“Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released His spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened.” Matthew 27:50-51

The tearing of the Temple Veil from top to bottom was no small feat. (continue reading…)

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:33-34. (continue reading…)

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through Him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed Him to a cross and killed Him. But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip.” Acts 2:22-24

Photo courtesy of Inspiks Flickr Group.