Our scripture this morning is Luke 23:44-49.
By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.
Jesus knew what God’s plan was from the very beginning, yet He accepted it willingly. He spoke to His disciples about it often, but they didn’t understand why God chose to redeem us this way. When Judas brought the authorities to arrest Him, most of His followers scattered.
Even in the moments before His human death, Jesus was ministering to a thief crucified next to Him (Luke 23:40-43). He came to love and save us all, showing God’s mercy in ways we could continue after He returned to heaven. This is His blessing and His task for us, that we spread the Good News to everyone.
Jesus has saved us from our sin and through His sacrifice for us, we can be reconciled to God. He was obedient to God’s will in everything He did and by His example we can all lead new lives. May we see His light in everyone and share the love He has given us.
Gracious God, we are sorry for our willful disobedience and how we have treated each other. As Your forgiven children may we go into the world to proclaim the coming of Your kingdom to all. Amen.