The darkness (v44-45) speaks of God’s judgment falling on Jesus for the sin of His people. This was the most horrendous thing that Jesus suffered. This wrath of God being poured out on Him was much more than the physical pain He suffered.

The result of Jesus enduring this wrath was the curtain that guarded the holy of holies in the temple was torn in two (v45). This speaks of how Jesus’ suffering was opening up the door to the holy of holies, to the place of God’s special presence in heaven to enable His people to enter in.

Knowing the victory had been won, that the price was paid in full, Jesus now gives up His spirit (v46). The Roman centurion who surely had seen many deaths on the cross never saw anyone die like Jesus (v47). Jesus died not in defeat but rather in total victory over sin, Satan and hell.

Jesus friends gathered at the cross but they were blind to what He had accomplished (v49). Are you rejoicing daily in what Jesus has accomplished?