Divine Darkness: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice
Summary
In the profound darkness that enveloped the cross, we find the deepest expression of God's love for humanity. As I shared with you today, the darkness of Golgotha was not merely a natural phenomenon; it was a divine statement, a supernatural occurrence that marked the most solemn moment in history. The darkness that fell from noon until three in the afternoon was a curtain drawn by God Himself, a shroud of secrecy as the eternal transaction of redemption took place.
The darkness was sympathetic, acknowledging the suffering of the Creator on the cross. It was as if all creation mourned, recognizing the agony of the One who fashioned it. This darkness was not an eclipse, nor a sandstorm, but a manifestation of God's presence as He bore witness to the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. The earth itself seemed to grieve, reflecting the gravity of the moment when the Mighty Maker died for the creature's sin.
This darkness was also solemn, marking an hour of judgment far greater than any that had come before. It was during these hours that Jesus, the just and righteous one, took upon Himself the sins of the world, defeating Satan and securing our salvation. The darkness signified a battle, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.
Moreover, the darkness was mysterious, a veil of secrecy surrounding the cross. In those three hours, Jesus completed the work of salvation, a work that only He could accomplish. It was a time when the great High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, not made with hands, offering not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood, once for all.
As we reflect on this darkness, we are reminded that no one who trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord ever goes home in the dark. Just as the little girl was unafraid to walk through the cemetery because she saw the lights of her home, we too can walk through the darkest valleys of life, knowing that our eternal home is secure, the light of Christ guiding us every step of the way.
Let us now consider the key takeaways from today's message:
1. The darkness at Golgotha was a divine act, a supernatural occurrence that signified the gravity of Christ's sacrifice. It was not a natural event but a manifestation of God's presence as He witnessed the atoning death of His Son. This darkness was a curtain drawn by the Father, enveloping the cross in solemnity and mystery. [54:23]
2. In the midst of darkness, Jesus bore the sins of the world, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This act of redemption was not just for humanity but for all creation, which groans under the weight of sin. One day, creation will be delivered from its bondage, and the King will reign in righteousness and glory. [52:48]
3. The darkness of the cross reminds us that hell is a real and terrible place, a domain of eternal separation from God. If hell were not serious, the cross would be meaningless. Christ's death underscores the reality of hell and the lengths to which God has gone to rescue us from it. [55:56]
4. The mysterious darkness of the cross was a period of secrecy, where the greatest work of redemption was accomplished. It was as if God Himself shrouded the cross, allowing His Son to complete the task of salvation alone. This moment of darkness was a sacred transaction between the Father and the Son. [56:43]
5. Trusting in Jesus means we never walk in darkness. His sacrifice ensures that we have eternal light, guiding us home. Just as the little girl was unafraid to walk through the cemetery, knowing her home was lit and waiting, we too can face life's darkest moments with confidence, for our Savior has overcome the darkness. [01:04:05]
May these truths sink deep into our hearts, transforming our lives and strengthening our faith as we walk in the light of Christ. Amen.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 27:45 - "From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land."
2. Isaiah 52:14 - "Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—"
3. Romans 8:22 - "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 27:45 describe happening from noon until three in the afternoon? ([43:35])
2. How does Isaiah 52:14 describe the appearance of Jesus during His suffering? ([45:46])
3. According to Romans 8:22, what is the current state of creation and why? ([51:59])
4. What was the reaction of the crowd and soldiers during the darkness at Golgotha? ([47:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the darkness at Golgotha described as a divine act rather than a natural phenomenon? ([48:05])
2. How does the darkness at the cross symbolize the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice and the battle against sin? ([54:23])
3. What is the significance of Jesus bearing the sins of the world during the three hours of darkness? ([56:43])
4. How does the darkness at the cross relate to the concept of hell and eternal separation from God? ([55:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt enveloped in darkness or despair. How can the knowledge of Jesus' sacrifice and the promise of eternal light help you in such moments? ([01:04:05])
2. The sermon mentioned that creation groans under the weight of sin and will one day be delivered. How does this perspective influence your view of environmental stewardship and care for creation? ([51:59])
3. Considering the solemnity of Jesus' sacrifice, how can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude in your daily walk with Christ? ([54:23])
4. The darkness at the cross was a period of secrecy where Jesus completed the work of salvation alone. How does this understanding impact your personal relationship with Jesus and your trust in His finished work? ([56:43])
5. The sermon highlighted that trusting in Jesus means we never walk in darkness. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are walking in the light of Christ, especially during challenging times? ([01:04:05])
6. How can you share the message of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of eternal light with someone who is currently experiencing a "dark" period in their life? ([01:04:05])
7. Reflect on the story of the little girl unafraid to walk through the cemetery because she saw the lights of her home. How can this story inspire you to face your fears and uncertainties with faith in Jesus' guidance? ([01:03:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Darkness at Golgotha
The darkness at Golgotha was a divine act, a supernatural occurrence that signified the gravity of Christ's sacrifice. It was not a natural event but a manifestation of God's presence as He witnessed the atoning death of His Son. This darkness was a curtain drawn by the Father, enveloping the cross in solemnity and mystery. [54:23]
Amos 8:9-10
"And on that day," declares the Lord GOD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight. I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day."
Reflection: How does the concept of God using darkness as a divine statement impact your understanding of the crucifixion?
Day 2: Redemption for Creation
In the midst of darkness, Jesus bore the sins of the world, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This act of redemption was not just for humanity but for all creation, which groans under the weight of sin. One day, creation will be delivered from its bondage, and the King will reign in righteousness and glory. [52:48]
Romans 8:21-22
"that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now."
Reflection: In what ways do you see creation groaning, and how does this deepen your longing for redemption?
Day 3: The Reality of Hell
The darkness of the cross reminds us that hell is a real and terrible place, a domain of eternal separation from God. If hell were not serious, the cross would be meaningless. Christ's death underscores the reality of hell and the lengths to which God has gone to rescue us from it. [55:56]
2 Thessalonians 1:9
"They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."
Reflection: How does the reality of hell influence your perspective on the urgency of sharing the Gospel?
Day 4: The Mystery of Redemption
The mysterious darkness of the cross was a period of secrecy, where the greatest work of redemption was accomplished. It was as if God Himself shrouded the cross, allowing His Son to complete the task of salvation alone. This moment of darkness was a sacred transaction between the Father and the Son. [56:43]
Hebrews 9:12
"He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: What does the sacred transaction of redemption mean to you personally, and how does it shape your identity?
Day 5: Light in the Darkness
Trusting in Jesus means we never walk in darkness. His sacrifice ensures that we have eternal light, guiding us home. Just as the little girl was unafraid to walk through the cemetery, knowing her home was lit and waiting, we too can face life's darkest moments with confidence, for our Savior has overcome the darkness. [01:04:05]
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What dark valley are you walking through, and how can you more fully trust Christ to guide you through it?
Quotes
1) "The darkness of Golgotha tells us how much Jesus Christ had to suffer so that we might live forever in his light." [44:20] (Download | )
2) "During those 3 hours of Darkness, Jesus Christ completed an eternal transaction with his heavenly father and finished the work that he came to do." [58:18] (Download | )
3) "In the darkness, he didn't save himself but he did save you, he saved me." [01:00:42] (Download | )
4) "The darkness of the Cross was the darkness of solemnity, marking the most solemn moment in the history of the world as the just one died for the unjust." [53:36] (Download | )
5) "The darkness was a sympathetic darkness, where the creator of the world was dying on the cross and all creation shrouded in darkness was sympathizing with him." [49:37] (Download | )
6) "The darkness of the cross was a mysterious darkness, a supernatural mysterious darkness that was the darkness of secrecy." [56:43] (Download | )
7) "The darkness is one of great mystery... but this one thing I do know, that as I come to the cross, I have found in my heart the forgiveness of my own sin." [59:56] (Download | )
8) "The darkness of the cross reminds us that hell is a real and terrible place, a domain of eternal separation from God." [55:56] (Download | )
9) "The darkness was not an eclipse nor a dark cloud, it was Supernatural Darkness sent by the heavenly father as his son hung between Heaven and Earth." [48:49] (Download | )
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