Jesus dies on the Cross ~ Luke 23 Study | Praising God

Explore the profound meaning of Jesus's death on the cross in Luke 23, where darkness covered the earth, the temple veil was torn, and Christ spoke His final words —revealing God's redemptive plan that brings us eternal life and the New Covenant.

The Darkness and the Torn Veil (Luke 23:44-46)

⁴⁴ Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

⁴⁵ Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

⁴⁶ And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

The first hour was sunrise, so the time was 12 pm to 3 pm. During these three hours, signs of creation revealed the hour was not one of light but of darkness (22:53). The sun was darkened: This testimony of creation was designed to signal the importance of Jesus's death. The veil of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing the beginning of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The curtain that was torn was the inner curtain that separates the Most Holiest of Holies from the Holy Place. All have direct access to the God the Father through the death of Christ. Jesus didn't come to abolish to Old Covenant but to fulfill it.

Jesus's Final Words

Jesus cries out with a loud shout, "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit." Having said this, He breathed His last." 

"Into Your hands: Jesus's final words are from Psalm 31:5, where this is the prayer of trust from a righteous sufferer. Jesus exercised that faith here.

Why Jesus Died: The Purpose of the Cross

Jesus died so that we should not perish, but have everlasting life:

^{John 3:16} For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus died on the Cross for all of our sins. He became sin so that we can be saved. Upon Him was the chastisement, for our Peace. With His wounds and by His stripes, we are healed

^{Isaiah 53:5} But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly:

^{John 10:10} The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost:

^{Luke 19:10} For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus shed His Blood, and died on the Cross with His sacrifice, to bring us the New Covenant of Grace and forgiveness, only given to us by the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus as the Seed: Three Biblical Perspectives

Jesus was the seed that was planted where through His life and death is found the source of salvation and eternal life.

The Seed of the Gospel Message

Jesus as the "Seed" of the Gospel~

• In this context, the "seed" is the message of the Gospel that Jesus and his followers spread. 
• As explained in the Parable of the Sower, the seed's success depends on the "soil," or the receptiveness of the person's heart to the message.
• When the seed of the Gospel takes root in good soil (a receptive heart), it can grow and produce a great harvest

The Divine Seed Planted in Believers

Jesus as the "Seed" planted in Believers 

• Jesus himself as the Divine "seed" that is planted in the hearts of those who believe in him, bringing new life and spiritual power.
• Jesus "sowing himself" into people's hearts, which allows them to overcome sin, receive power from God, and experience transformation.

The Seed of David and Abraham

Jesus as the "Seed" of David ~

• The Bible also refers to Jesus as the "seed of David" and the "seed of Abraham," connecting him to these important figures in the lineage that was prophesied to bring forth a savior.
• This "seed" of Abraham is interpreted as Christ, who came to Bless all nations.

Jesus Brings Life (John 12:24)

Just as a seed must die and be buried in the ground to produce a harvest, Jesus' death was necessary for salvation.

Continue Reading: Jesus Buried in Joseph's Tomb ~ Matthew 27 Explained