The darkness at the crucifixion demonstrated the darkness of our sin. The hopeless striving for power, possessions or any earthly pursuit is usually rooted in our selfish desire to build our own kingdom. But Jesus gave His all to bring the light of another kingdom that is eternal. Purpose for each day, with hope, joy, peace and love are rooted in that awful execution. May we live on purpose with the short time we have in this life.
“Christ's death served as a sacrifice for sin, bearing the punishment due to humanity and satisfying God's wrath. He taught that the atonement's purpose extends beyond simple forgiveness to include the redemption and purification of the believer to be zealous for good works, ultimately vindicating God's righteousness while demonstrating His love.” - Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones
“When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon” (Mark 15:33). The physical phenomenon of darkness is a metaphor for the suffering of Jesus as the life drained out of him. It reflects the life that was fading away as Jesus was dying. It also suggests the light that Jesus brought into the darkness of the world was being put out. In addition, the darkness suggests that creation, while humans were blind to what was happening, recognized and responded to Jesus’s death. Noon to three is normally the brightest time of the day.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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