The Wonders of Calvary

John 19:3536
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Wonders of Calvary
1.Thereareseveralthingsthatoccurredduringthe24hoursofthePassoverdayonwhichJesus
wasarrestedandcrucifiedthatarelittlenoticedordiscussed.
2.Someoftheseareofamiraculousnature,whileothersarenotstrictlymiraclesaswewould
definethem,buttheyarenonethelesseventspossessingasupernaturalcharacter.
3.Theseeventshaveadefiniteandrealsignificanceasevidenceestablishingthetrueidentityof
JesusofNazarethandtheimportanceofHisdeathinJerusalemnearlytwomillenniaago.

B.The Text in Context

1.ThisstatementismadeindirectreferencetotheOTpropheciesconcerningExodus12:46and
Zechariah12:1015thatJohnlaterappliestothesceneshehasjustwitnessed.
2.However,JesussaysHimselfthateverythingthattranspiredwithrespecttoHiscrucifixion
andresurrectiondidsoaccordingtowhattheprophetshadprophesiedaboutHim(Luke
24:4446).
3.Thus,itiscertainlycorrecttosay,ThesethingsweredonethattheScriptureshouldbe
fulfilledrespectingallthatoccurredinconnectionwiththedeathofJesus.

C. An Approximate Chronology for the Day Christ Died

1.6:00PMPassoverbeginsintheupperroom(Matthew26:20).
2.11:00PMJesusinstitutestheLordsSupper(Luke22:20;John13:30).
3.12:00AMJesuscomestoGethsemanetopray(Luke23:3840).
4.2:00AMHeisarrestedandtakenbeforeAnnas(John18:13).
5.3:00AMJesusisbroughtbeforeCaiaphas(John18:24;Matthew26:57).
6.5:30AMJesuscondemnedbytheSanhedrinintheTemple(Matthew27:12).
7.6:00AMJesusisbroughtbeforePilatethefirsttimeatPalaceofHerodtheGreat(John18:28).
8.6:30AMJesusbeforeHerodAntipaswhereHeisexaminedandmocked(Luke23:711).
9.7:30AMJesusisreturnedtoPilate,accused,beatenandcondemned(John18:3919:16).
10.9:00AMJesusiscrucifiedbetweentwothievesatGolgotha(Luke23:2633;Mark15:25).
11.NoonDarknesscomesoverthewholeland(Mark15:34)
12.3:00PMJesusdiesonthecross(Matthew27:50;John19:30,33
13.3:00PMVeiloftheTempleisrentfromthetopdownward(Mark15:3438).
14.3:00PMThereisanearthquakesoseverethatthetombsareopened(Matthew27:5152).
15.3:30PMThelegsofthetwothievesbrokeninordertohastendeath(John19:3132).
16.3:45PMJesussidepiercedbyaRomansoldier(John19:3336).
17.4:00PMJosephofArimatharequeststhereleaseofJesusbody(Mark15:4345).
18.4:30PMThebodyofJesusremovedhastilytoanearbygarden(John19:41).
19.5:30PMTheburialofJesusbeforesundownonFriday(John19:42).
20.6:01PMTheJewishleadersrequestaguardbeplacedonthetomb(Matthew27:62).

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II. DISCUSSION:
A. The First Wonder: An Angel Appears from Heaven (Luke 22:4345)
1.TheAngelshavealwaysbeencuriousabouttheredemptionofmankind(1Peter1:12;
Ephesians3:10;ITimothy3:16;Hebrews12:22).
a.Theyappearatsignificanteventsassociatedwithmansfallingawayandreturn:
(1)AngelswereinvolvedinsignificanteventsinthehistoryofIsrael:
(a)TheyarestationedattheentrancetoEdentoguardtheTreeofLife(Genesis3:24).
(b)TheywereGodsinstrumentfordeliveringtheLawtoMoses(Acts7:53).
(c)TheywereattimesthemessengersofGodinrevelationtotheprophets(Daniel10:13;
Jude1:9;Zechariah1:911).
(2)AngelsareintimatelyinvolvedwithChrist:
(a)AnangelannouncedthebirthofJesus(Matthew1:2021;Luke1:2838;2:715).
(b)AnangelwarnedJosephtoescapetoEgypt(Matthew2:13)
(c)AngelsministeredtoJesusafterthetemptation(Matthew4:11;Mark1:13;John1:51).
(d)ThisangelministeredtoJesusintheGardenofGethsemane(Luke22:43).
(e)AngelswerepresentatthetombofJesus(Matthew28:26).
(f)Theywerepresentattheascension(Acts1:11).
(g)TheyworshipChristinHeaven(IPeter3:22;Revelation5:11).
(h)TheywillbewithChristathissecondcoming(Matthew25:31;Mark8:38;
IIThessalonians1:7;Jude1:1415).
(i)TheywillbewithChristatthejudgment(Matthew13:39,41,49;16:27;24:31;25:31;
Mark13:27).
b.Theyaresaidtoministeronbehalfofthesaints(Hebrews1:14).
(1)IwillnotpresumetosayIknowwhattheydo(Deuteronomy29:29;cf.Hebrews13:2).
(2)However,theyareourangels(Matthew18:10).
(3)Theyarewithusinthespiritualwar(Daniel10:1213;2Kings6:1617;cf.1John4:4).
(4)Iknowthattheyministerforthemwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation(Hebrews1:14).
(5)Theangelsrejoicewhensinnersaresaved(Luke15:7,10).
(6)TheycarrythespiritsoftherighteousintoAbrahamsbosom(Luke16:22).
c.Therefore,Iamnotsurprisedtofindangelsinvolvedatthiscriticalmomentinthe
developmentoftheschemeofredemption.
2.However,Iamcurioustoknow:Whynow?
a.Thecourseoftheeveningsevents:
(1)AfterobservingthePassoverwiththeTwelveJesusretirestoGethsemane,anoliveyard
nearthebaseofthewesternslopeoftheMt.ofOlives(Luke22:39;John18:12).
(2)JesusentersthegardenandtakesHisthreemostintimatefriendstoaplaceofprayer
(Matthew26:36).
(3)ThreetimesJesusprays:OmyFather,ifitbepossible,letthiscuppassfromme:
neverthelessnotasIwill,butasthouwilt(26:39).
b.TheobservationsoftheGospelauthors:
(1)And[He]begantobesorrowfulandveryheavy.ThensaithHeuntothem,Mysoulis
exceedingsorrowful,evenuntodeath(Matthew26:3738).
(a)Sorrowful lupew[loopeho]:accordingtoStrong(3076)todistress;reflexively
orpassively,tobesad;accordingtoThayer:tomakesorrowful;toaffectwith
sadness,causegrief;tothrowintosorrow.
(b)Veryheavyadhmonew[adaymoneho]:accordingtoStrong(0085)tobesated
toloathing;tobeindistress(ofmind);accordingtoThayer:tobetroubled,
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distressed.
(c)Exceedingsorrowful perilupov [periloopos]:accordingtoStrong(4036)
grievedallaround,i.e.intenselysad;accordingtoThayerproperly,encompassed
withgrief,verysad,exceedinglysorrowful.
(2)AndhetakethwithhimPeterandJamesandJohn,andbegantobesoreamazed,andto
beveryheavy(Mark14:33).
(a)Soreamazedekyambew [ekthambeho]:accordingtoStrong(1568)toastonish
utterly;accordingtoThayertobestruckwithterror.
(b)RobertsonobservesinWordPictures:Markhasthestartlingphrasegreatlyamazed
andsoretroubled(ekthambeisthaikaiadeemonein),afeelingofterrifiedsurprise.
(c)VincentcrossreferencesotheroccurrencesoftheworduniquetoMark(9:15;16:5,6).
(3)Andbeinginanagonyheprayedmoreearnestly:andhissweatwasasitweregreat
dropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground(Luke22:43).
(a)Agonyagwnia[agoneeah]:accordingtoStrong(0074)astruggle(properly,
thestate),i.e.(figuratively)anguish;accordingtoThayerItisoftenused,from
Demosthenesdown,ofseverementalstrugglesandemotions,agony,anguish.
(b)Hissweatwasasitweregreatdropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground.
[1]OfthisphenomenonRobertsonsays,Thick,clottedblood.Anoldword
(thromboi)commoninmedicalworks,buthereonlyintheN.T.Thispassage
(versesLu22:4344)isabsentfromsomeancientdocuments.Aristotlespeaksofa
bloodysweatasdoesTheophrastus.
[2]AlexanderMetherell,MD,PhDnotes:Thisisaknownmedicalconditioncalled
hematidrosis.Itsnotverycommon,butitisassociatedwithahighdegreeof
psychologicalstress.Whathappensisthatsevereanxietycausesthereleaseof
chemicalsthatbreakdownthecapillariesinthesweatglands.Asaresult,theresa
smallamountofbleedingintotheseglands,andthesweatcomesouttingedwith
blood(TheCaseforEaster,pp.1415).
c.ItisatthismomentthattheangelcomesfromheaventostrengthenJesus(Luke22:43).
(1)WeshouldnotbesurprisedtoseethisangelherewithJesusforalltheaforementioned
reasons(seeunderA.1.above).
(2)WemaybepuzzledtoseeHimherebecausethisistheSonofGod,howcouldanangel
possiblystrengthenHim?
(a)However,remember,thisistheSonofGodwhohumbledhimselfbysteppingdown
fromthegloriesofHeavenandwasfoundinfashionasaman(Philippians2:8)in
allthingsmadelikeuntoHisbrethren(Hebrews2:17)tobeinallpointstempted
likeas[they]are,yetwithoutsin(Hebrews4:15).
(b)ThisangelwasnottheretostrengthenanythingintheDivine,buttominister
(Hebrews1:14)toonemadealittlelowerthantheangels(Hebrews2:9).
(c)Thewordstrengthenmeans,accordingtoThayer(1765),tomakestrong,to
strengthen,tostrengthenoneinsoul,toinspirit.
[1]Idonotknowwhattheangelsaidordid,butIimagineitwasmuchthesameas
theangelwhocametoHananiah,MishaelandAzariah(Daniel3:28),orthatone
thatcametoDaniel(Daniel6:22),orthatonewhocametoJoshua(Joshua5:1415).
[2]InnoneofthesecasesdidtheangelcompelthesementoobeyGod,ortoacceptthe
inevitabilityofdeath,ortomarchintobattle.IratherthinkthathespoketoJesusin
muchthesamewayastheangelspoketoPaul,Fearnot(Acts27:2325).
[3]ItisquiteevidentthatourLordwasstrengthenedbelievingGodthatitwouldbe
evenasHehadpromised(John18:4).
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3.WhatdoesthisfirstwonderofCalvaryreveal?
a.ThefullhumanityofJesus.
(1)ThesufferingsofChristwerereal.Heisnotaboveorbeyondus.Heisofus(Hebrews
2:911;4:15;5:2;IICorinthians13:4).
(2)WeseeHiminthemidstofagreatcontestwithSatancomingthroughvictorious
(Hebrews2:10;5:7).
(3)Arisingfromprayer,confidentinGod,ChriststeppedforwardtofaceHisenemies
(Hebrews2:13;Matthew27:43).
b.Beliefinandinvolvementwiththesupernaturalorspiritualdoesnotnegateoroverridethe
naturalortheflesh.
(1)TheangelsofGodintheirministryfortheheirsofsalvation(Hebrews1:14)donotdeny,
thwartorsuppressthewillofmen.
(2)Thepresenceofthisangelistheexceptionthatprovestherule.BythisImean,that
whileIhaveneverhadanangelcometome,IcannotclaimthatJesusisdifferentorhad
helpwhichIcannothave.
(3)WehavethepromiseofGodthatnotemptationortrialwillcomeuponusthatisgreater
thanwecanbearandthatthemeanstoendureisalwaysprovided(ICorinthians10:13).

B. The Second Wonder: They Fell to the Ground (John 18:36)

1.Jesuswentforth(John18:4).
a.ScarcelyhadtheangelleftHimbeforetheTemptercametotestHim(Luke22:4344).
(1)Literally,wentforwardorwenttomeetthem.
(2)Jesuscameoutfromthedarknessamongthetreesandstrodeuptomeetthem.
b.WhatacontrasttothelowopinionoftheTraitor(Mark.14:4445).
2.Whomseekye?(John18:4b5a)
a.Jesusisincontrolofthesituation(Matthew26:45,46).
b.Whyaskthisquestion?
3.Theyfelltotheground(John18:5b6).
a.Jesusanswer:
(1)IAM(Exodus3:14).
(2)Thisisaselfdeclarationofdivinity(John8:24,28,58;10:3138;13:19;18:58).
b.Seethepicture,theGoodShepherdstandingalonedefendingthehelplessflockagainstthe
hirelings,thieves,robbersandwolveswhichwouldconsumethem(John10:714).
(1)Inthiscontext,wecanunderstandthepurposeofthemiracle(cf.John8:59;7:4446;
10:39;Luke4:30).
(2)Jesuswasnotcapturedortaken;HesurrenderedorgaveHimselfuptothem
(John10:1718;Philippians2:8).
4.WhatdoesthissecondwonderofCalvaryreveal?
a.Itisademonstrationofgreatfaith
(1)JesushadcommittedHimselftoHisFatherinprayerintheGarden(Matthew26:39,42).
(2)ConfidentinGodsassurances(John10:17,18),HestrodeupeyetoeyewithHisenemy.
b.Thereisadisplayoftruewisdom
(1)JesushandledHisenemywithgreatcareandskill.
(2)Takingtheoffensive,Herobbedthemoftheelementofsurpriseputtingthemonthe
defensive.
(3)HisquickmaneuveringcreatedasituationinwhichHisdisciplesweregivenabetter
viewoftheKingdomofHeaven(John18:1012).
c.Thereisabolddeclarationofdeity
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(1)JesustotheveryendmaintainsHisclaimtobetheSonofGodIAM.
(2)TheveracityofHisclaimisconfirmedbyamiraculousevent(Hebrews2:34).
(3)Godcompelledthesementoacknowledgeit(Romans14:11).
d.Itdemonstratesgenuineselflessness
(1)Hecouldhavecalledtwelvelegionsofangels(Matthew26:53)andcontinuedhisescape.
(a)AccordingtoSmithalegionisequivalentto6,000infantrymenandacontingentof
cavalry.Eastonagreesandspecifiesthatthecavalryunitwouldconsistofatleast600
menandhorses.
(b)AngelsaregenerallynumberedintheScriptureasaninnumerablecompany
(myriadsortenthousandtimestenthousand,see:Hebrews12:22;Deuteronomy
33:2;Daniel7:10;Jude1:14).
(c)ThisiswhyJesusiscalledtheLordofSabaothorLordofHosts(James5:4).
(2)However,Jesuschoserathertosuffer(Philippians2:8).

C. The Third Wonder: The Cock Crowing (John 13:3638)

1.ThepredictionofJesusconcerningPeter(Matthew26:3135;Mark14:2631;Luke22:3134,38;
John13:3638).
2.Thesorrowfulsequenceofevents:
a.TheGoodShepherdsmittenaccordingtoZechariah13:7andthesheepscattered.
b.ThetwelveApostlesandotherdisciplesforsakeJesus(cf.Matthew26:56b;Mark14:5052).
c.However,PeterandJohnfollowJesusandthemob,atadistance,tothepalaceoftheHigh
PriestCaiaphas(John18:15;cf.Matthew26:5758;Mark14:5354;Luke22:54).
(1)JohnwasadmittedbecausehewasknownintheHighPriestshouse.
(2)PeterwasadmitteduponthebasisofhisbeingwithJohn(18:16).
(3)Petersadmissiontothecourtyardsetsinmotiontheseriesofeventsthatresultinthe
fulfillmentofJesuswords.
3.PetersthreefolddenialoftheLordJesusChrist(Matthew26:6975;Mark14:6672;Luke22:55
64;John18:1718,2527).
a.Uponbeingadmitted,Peterisimmediatelyquestionedbythewomankeepingthedoor.
(1)PeterdidnotgoinimmediatelywithJohn,notbeingrecognized(John18:16);however,
onceJohnvouchedforPeter,hetoowasadmitted.
(2)ItseemsthatPeterandJohnseparate;John,perhaps,enterswherethepretrialisbeing
held.WeknowPeterremainedinthecourtyardandsatamongtheservantswhereafire
hadbeenkindled(Matthew26:69;Luke22:55).
(3)ThemaidwhokeptthedoorandhadseenPeterenterwithJohniscuriousabouthim
andapproachesthefire.
(a)ShedrawsclosertoPeterandlookingathimintentlysays:Youalsowerewiththat
Nazarene,Jesus(Mark14:67).
(b)ThispromptsthemaidandthosethatarestandingaroundthefirewithPetertoask,
YouarenotoneofHisdisciplesareyou?(John18:17,25).
(c)Peterdeniestheaccusationsaying,Iamnot!Idontknowwhatyouaretalking
about!(Mark14:68;Matthew26:69;John18:25b).
(4)Peterleavesthefireandwalksbacktotheentrywayarchofthecourtyardtothepalace
(Mark14:68b;Matthew26:71).
(a)AssoonasPeterwalksawaythecockcrowsforthefirsttime(Mark14:68).
(b)Imaginetheshockofthereality!(Mark14:30).
(c)Heisheadedforthedoor.
b.Thefirstmaid(Mark14:69)andanothermaid(Matthew26:71)followPeterintothe
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entrywayandcontinuetheaccusationbeforethosethatarestandingthere(Mark14:69b).
(1)Peterwasonhiswayoutofthepalace;but,thewomanwasnotwillingtolethimget
awaysoeasily.
(2)ShecontinuesmakingherchargethatPeterisoneofthem(Mark14:69).Allthewhile,
Peterisdenyingit.Sheisjoinedinheraccusationbyasecondmaidsaying,Thisman
alsowaswithJesustheNazarene(Matthew26:71).
(3)Now,amalebystanderbeginstojoinin;hemaythinkherecognizesPeterfromthe
gardenscuffleearlier.Hesays,Youareoneofthem(Luke22:58).
(4)Peterbecomesemphaticinhisdenial:Man,Iamnot.Hethenswearswithanoathto
GodthatIknownottheman!(Matthew26:72;cf.,Hebrews6:16).
(a)Peterhaslied,andnowheisforsworn(Leviticus19:12;Matthew5:3337;23:1622).
(b)HehastakentheLordsnameinvain(Exodus20:7;Deuteronomy6:13;James5:12).
(c)Perjurywas,andis,aseriouscrime(Jeremiah7:9;Zechariah5:24;8:17;Malachi3:5).
c.Ratherthanleaveunderduress,Peterreturnstothefire(cf.John18:2527).Thingsarequiet
foraboutanhour(Luke22:59).Then,thereisathirdbarrageofaccusations(John18:26).
(1)SomeonearrivesonthescenewhoisarelativeofMalchus(John18:10).Thismanwasin
thegardenduringthearrestandcoulddefinitelyidentifyPeterasthemanwhocutofhis
relativesear(18:26b).
(2)WiththisnewidentificationthebystandersareconvincedthatPeterisadiscipleofJesus.
Withconfidencetheybegintosay,Surely,youareoneofthem,foryouareaGalilean
(Mark14:71).
(a)Theevidenceisoverwhelming.Peterisfoundout.Histonguehasentrappedhim.Not
thelieperse,butnowheisfoundout.Hisaccentmakesitcertainthatheisoneofthe
Galileans(cf.Acts2:7).
(b)Fearfulofbeingtaken,perhapsevendeliveredupaswashisMaster,Peterbeginsto
curseandtoswearsaying:Man,Idonotknowwhatyouaretalkingabout;Idonot
knowthisman(Mark14:71b;Matthew26:73;Luke22:60;John18:27).
d.InthenearlytwohoursthatpassJesushasbeenexaminedbyAnnasandCaiaphas(John
18:13,1924).ItaftertheexaminationwasendedandwhileJesuswasbeingtakentoPilate
(John18:28)thatthecockcrowedthesecondtime.
(1)ItwasasthewordsdroppedfromPeterslipsthattheroostercrowedfulfillingthe
wordsofChrist(Mark14:72).
(2)Inthatmoment,ProvidencecausedtheLordtobeatsuchaplaceinthecourtyardsothat
asheturned,HiseyesandthoseofPetermeet(Luke22:60b61).
(a)IcanonlyimaginethelookupontheSaviorsfacethetearsthatmusthave
moistenedhiseyesthedisappointmentthatmusthavebeenetchedinhis
countenancethesorrowandloveHehadforthisdeardisciplereflectedinHis
piercingstare.
(b)Inthatmoment,withjustonelook,theworldcamecrashinginonPeterasheturned
andfledfromthesceneofhisdenialinbittertearsofremorse(Luke22:62).
4.WhatdoesthisthirdwonderofCalvaryreveal?
a.Itrevealsthatboldnessisnotnecessarilybravery.
(1)PeterwascertainlyboldwhenheassuredtheLordhewouldneverdenyHimevenunto
death(Mark14:33).
(2)PeterwascertainlyboldinhisdenialsofJesus.
(3)Hisreturningtothefiredemonstratesacertaindisregardfordanger.
(a)However,thisisnotbraveryinPeter,butthecowardiceofshameandfear.
(b)Hestayedbecausebydoingsohegavecredibilitytohisdenial.
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(c)Surely,onlyaninnocentmanwouldprotestso.
b.Itrevealsthetruecharacterofgodlysorrow(IICorinthians7:10).
(1)ThisisbestillustratedbycontrastingPeterwithJudas.
(a)Peterssorrowproceedsuponhissin;Judasupontheconsequencesofhissin.
(b)Peterssorrowturnshimfromtheworld;Judasturnshimtowardstheworld.
(c)Peterssorrowhelpedhimconvertothers;Judasemboldenedsinners.
(d)Peterssorrowleadshimtolife;Judasleadshimtodeath.
(2)Asharpconscienceislikeadaggertoasinfulheart.
(a)Petersheartwastenderandcouldbemovedbythetruthofwhathehaddoneand
theloveofChrist(Hebrews4:12;Romans2:5).
(b)Judashearthadgrowncold(cf.Matthew24:12),hishearthadturnedtostone(cf.
Ezekiel3:7)andhecouldnolongerbeprickedinhisconscience(ITimothy4:2).
c.Itdemonstratestheroleofprovidenceintheconversionofthesinner.
(1)Thereisnodenyingthesupernaturalcharacteroftheeventsofthisnight(Mark14:30).
(a)ItwasprophesiedthatPeterwoulddoashedidbeforetheeveningwasout.
(b)ThereisnonaturalexplanationforJesusknowingwhatwouldtranspireandwhen;
theSpiritofGodrevealedittoHim(Isaiah11:24).
(c)Clearly,themiraculouswasinvolved.
(2)However,therewasnothingmiraculousaboutPeterfollowingChristtothepalace,his
beingadmitted,hisbeingbythefireoranyotherthingthattranspiredinthecourtyard
thatnightincludingtheroostercrowing.
(a)TherewasnoirresistibleforcecompellingPetertolie,swearandcurse.
(b)Therewasnothingmiraculousaboutthequeriesandquestionsposedbythemenand
womeninthecourtyardthatnight.
(c)ThereisnomiracleinPeterbeingpreciselywhereJesuscouldturnandseeHim.
(d)However,willanydenythatthehandofGodwasinit?
(3)ThecockcrowingwasnotsomuchasignasitwasanalarmtoarosePetertofleefrom
theclutchesofSatancallingHimbacktotruediscipleship(Mark14:72).
d.Warnsagainstthedeceitfulnessofsin.
(1)ItisdifficultformetounderstandwhyPeterdidnotbolttheverymomentheheardthe
cockcrowthefirsttime(Mark14:68).
(a)Iamnotsuggestinghehadnotalreadysinned;indeed,hehad(Mark14:68a).
(b)But,hewasheadedforthegate(14:68b);heknewwhathehaddone.
(c)Hispersistenceinthelie,hisaddingperjurytofalsehoodandhisreturntothefire
indictPeternotinarashact,butanintentional,willfulsin.Thereisnominimizing
whathedid.IfailtoseehowatthatmomentheisanybetterthanJudas.
(2)Oncloserinspection,IcanseehowSatanmanipulatedthecircumstances.
(a)HepursuedPeter(Mark14:69).
(b)HebackedoffenoughtogivePeterafalsesenseofsuccessinhisdeceit(Luke22:59a).
(c)HepushedPetertocommitevenagreatersin(Matthew26:74).
(3)ItwasPetersimpetuousnature,pride,weakfaith,curiosityandlackofspiritual
discernmentthatgothimintotroublethatwoefulnight.

D. The Fourth Wonder: The Act of Crucifixion (John19:2337)

1.ChristclearlypredictedHisdeathatthehandsoftheJews(Matthew16:21;17:23;20:1819).
a.JesusinformedHisdisciplesofHisdemise.
(1)HespecifiedthemannerofHisdeathascrucifixion(Matthew20:19).
(2)HepromisedthatHewouldrisefromthedead(Matthew16:21;17:23;20:19).
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b.Yet,JesusdidnotbeginHisministrywithaforthrightdeclarationofHisappointedend;
rather,HemadeafewveiledreferencestoitgraduallypreparingtheTwelveforthereality
ofHismission.
(1)HadJesusopenlydeclaredHispurposesinthebeginningnonewouldhavefollowed
Him(cf.John2:1825;6:52,60,6669;John8:22;et.al.).
(2)Evenatthisfirstopendeclaration,theTwelveobjected(Matthew16:23;cf.Mark8:33).
(3)TheycontinuednottounderstandwhatHemeantandwereforalongwhileevenafraid
toaskHim(Luke9:4445;18:3134).
c.However,HedidconvincethemthatHewasindeedtheirMessiah,theChrist(John6:6869;
11:27;Matthew16:16).Itisthisfaiththatbuoyedtheminthetimeoftrial(Luke24:2135).
2.Inthecontextofthefirstcentury,itisnotremarkablethatJesusmightcontemplatethe
possibilityofcrucifixion;thiswasthecommonpracticeoftheRomansatthetime.
Furthermore,theJewswerenostrangerstocrucifixionbeingintroducedtotheevilbythe
Syriansduringtheintertestamentalperiod(see:Josephus,AntiquitiesXII,v,4;XX,vi,2;Wars
I,iv,6;ISBE,p.761).
a.However,sincethegivingoftheLaw,crucifixionwhichwasunknownatthattimeand
otherlikemethodsofexecutionwouldhavebeenabhorredbytheJewsasthatwhichwould
defiletheland(Deuteronomy21:23;Galatians3:13;Joshua8:29;10:2627).Thisconcernis
revealedintheirregardforPassoverSabbathwhenJesuswascrucified(John19:31).
b.TheJewsmanipulationoftheRomansinputtingJesustodeath,whilepoliticallymotivated
toadegree,saysagreatdealabouttheirhatredofHimaswellastheirrejectionofHis
claimsandtheirintenttodestroyanyinfluenceHehadwiththenation.
c.TheiractionsagainstChristweretheresultofawellthoughtoutconspiracytomurderHim
(Matthew14:5;John11:53;Mark14:1,1011).Itisunlikelythatwithouttheinsistenceof
JewishleadersRomewouldhavetakennoticeofJesusastheydid(1Corinthians2:8).
d.Therefore,theprobabilityofJesusbeingcrucifiedseemsratherremote.Weshouldnot
marvelthatHisdisciplesweretroubledandevenfrightenedbythesekindsofstatements.
WhathadtheirMasterdonethatwouldrisetothelevelofthatkindofgovernmental
response?WhathadHeeversaidthatwouldleadpromptRometostrikeagainstHim?
3.However,thefactthatJesuswascrucifiedisitselfamarvelousthing.Whileitisnotamiracle
thatitwasdone,itneverthelessmustbeconsideredasreflectingasupernaturalinvolvement
inHisdeathGodseternalpurpose,DivineProvidenceandinspiredprophecyconvergein
thecrucifixionofChrist.
a.WhenJesusaffirmedthatHewouldbecrucifiedheaffirmedwhathadbeenbeforeattested
tobytheprophetsconcerningHim(Luke24:2526,46;Acts17:3;IPeter1:11).
b.LetsconsidersomeofthespecificprophesiesthatrelatetothecrucifixionofJesusthat
confirmthesupernaturalcharacterofHisdeathandverifythatHeistheMessiah.
(1)Psalm22
(a)Davidisgenerallyregardedastheauthorofthispsalm.Uponexaminingthepsalm,
oneisforcedtotheconclusionthatDavidisnotspeakingofhimselfbuttheMessiah.
ThisistheapplicationwhichtheSpiritmakesofthepassage(Hebrews2:12).
(b)Verses14and15arevividlydescriptiveofthephysicalanxietyandpainofcrucifixion
(cf.John19:2834;20:25).Thereferencetothemeltingheartpoeticallydescribesthe
horriblephysiologicalstresswhichthepulmonarysystemenduresduringcrucifixion
(Shier,Cathleen,TheScienceofCrucifixion,InFocus,www.apu.edu/infocus;Davis,
C.Truman,TheCrucifixionofJesus,ArizonaMedicine,22,no.3(1965):183187.
Edwards,WilliamD.,et.al.OnthePhysicalDeathofJesusChrist,TheJournalof
theAmericanMedicalAssociation255,no.11(1986):14551463).
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(c)Verse18isquotedbyJohnasbeingfulfilledinthegamingofthesoldiersforJesus
garment(John19:2324).Thiseventisremarkablefromseveralperspectives.
Obviously,neitherJesusnorhisdiscipleshadanythingtodowithinstigatingthe
game.ThesesoldierscertainlydidnotknowanythingabouttheHebrewScriptures.
NeitherweretheysympathetictoanyconspiracyconcerningJesus,ofwhichthereis
noevidence.
(d)Verse16isthemostcompelling.Considerthatcrucifixionasamethodofexecution
wasunknowntoDavidandwouldneverhavebeenusedbytheJews.Whiletheydid
exposebodiesonagibbet,thepiercingofthosebodieswouldnotbeattendantwith
thatpractice.Furthermore,thatsuchwouldinvolveonlythehandsandfeetcannotbe
explainedbyanymethodofexecutionknowntoDavidorinuseinIsrael.The
peculiarmentionofithereonlysuggestscrucifixionafterthefacttoacarefulstudent.
TheprophetZechariahhadthisveryscenerevealedtohim(Zechariah12:10).Again,
theSpiritisrevealingtousexactlywhatHemeant(cf.IPeter1:11).
(2)Isaiah53
(a)TheHolySpiritgaveIsaiahaglimpseoftheMessiahasthesinofferingfortheworld
(cf.IPeter2:2225).ClearlytheprophetsawtheMessiahbeingputtodeathforthe
sinsofhispeople,theveryonesthatexecutedHim(vv.5,7,8,9,11,12).
(b)IsaiahdoesnotdetailthemethodofMessiahsexecution,buthedoesdescribewith
deftdetailthecharacteroftheeventswhichwhenviewedthroughtheinterpreting
eyeoftheHolySpiritmustpointtoJesusofNazareth.Notehowtheprophet
characterizestheentireprocessbywhichtheMessiahisbroughttoexecution:marred
visage(52:14),rejection(v.2),misjudgedHimassmittenofGod(v.4),brutallybeaten
andexecutedaspunishmentforsins(v.5),madenodefenseofHimself(v.7),denied
justice(vv.78),innocent(v.9),numberedwithtransgressors(v.12).
(c)Thislastpropheticstatement(v.12)findsliteralfulfillmentinthefactthatJesuswas
crucifiedbetweentwothieves(Mark15:2728).Thisisaninterestingfactwhichagain
destroysanypossibilityofconspiracyandheightenstheignoranceoftheJews
regardingtheirScripturesconcerningtheirMessiah.
(3)Exodus12:46
(a)John19:36isnotanexactquotationofanyOldTestamentverse,butthatdoesnot
meanitisnotintendedtobesobecauseJohnsaystheScriptureshouldbefulfilled.I
believethecontextoftheoriginalversewilldeterminehowweshouldproceed.
(b)IsPsalm34:20thepassageJohnhasinmindasfulfilled?
[1]Psalm34:18seemstomakethecasetomymindthatitisnotMessianicandshould
beappliedtoDavidalone.ThePsalmiswrittenbyapenitentmanforpenitentmen
(vv.39,1214).ThatwontdoforJesus.
[2]Thepromiseof34:20isoneofescapefromdeath;thathardlyappliestothe
Messiaheither.Davidisspeakinggenerallyofgodsprovidenceinhelpingthe
righteousman.Davidisurgingmentolearnthelessonofrepentanceinorderto
findGodshelp.
(c)IsExodus12:46thetextinview?
[1]ThatpassagereferstothePassoverlambandtheregulationsthatpertainedtoits
beingpreparedandeaten.
[2]JesusiscomparedtothePassoverlambinseveralpassages(1Corinthians5:7;I
Peter1:1819;John1:29,36;Hebrews9:14;cf.Isaiah53).
[3]InthattheprophetIsaiahclearlydescribestheMessiahasasacrificeforsinandthe
HolySpiritthroughthepenofmarkappliedhisprophecytotheseevents,itis
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difficultnottothinkthatJohnhasalsoseentheconnectionandthroughtheSpirit
enhancesourviewofJesusonthecross.
[4]Exodus12:46isnotpredictiveprophecy,butthesignificanceofnotbreakingthe
boneoftheactualPassoverlambisnotmadeknownuntilChristcomes.Heis
distinguishedfromtheothersatCalvarybynothavingHisbonesbroken.Itwasa
signthathewastheLambofGod.
4.Whatdoesthisfourthwonderreveal?
a.ThedeathofJesuswasextraordinary,notinitsmethods,perse,butthatthesemethods
weretheobjectsofpredictionfrommenwhowereignorantofthemeansandmethodsthat
wereunderconsideration.Thiscanonlybeexplainedbyacceptingsupernaturalguidance
inmakingtheirpredictions.
b.ThedeathofJesuscannotbeexplainedbyaconspiracyamonghisdisciples.Thepredicted
eventswereoutsidebothJesusandtheircontrol.Coincidenceandperfecthindsightcannot
accountforthefactsinthecase.Againthesethingscanonlybeexplainedbyasupernatural
interventionwhichguidedthemtotheircompletion.
c.WhenthefactsofJesusdeathareconsideredunderthelightoftheseOldTestament
propheciesthenitisapparentthatheisindeedtheChristofGod,thetruePassoverLamb
thattakesawaythesinsoftheworld.

E. The Fifth Wonder: Darkness over the Land (Luke 23:4446)

1.AmongthemorestrikingofthewondersthatoccurredwhenChristwascrucifiedisthe
darknesswhichfelloveralltheland(Luke23:4446;Matthew27:4546,50;Mark15:33,37).
2.Thisdarknessisgenerallyexplainedbyskepticsasanaturaloccurringphenomenon,aneclipse
ofsomesortthatjustcoincidentallyhappenedattheexactmomentthatChristwashangingon
thecross.
a.TheAncientMysteriesWebsiteoffersthisexplanation:Thetraditionaldatesforthe
Crucifixionare29ADand33AD.Idiscoveredthereweresolareclipsesintheseyears,both
visiblefromJerusalem.As33ADisthemostcommondateusedforJesusdeath,Ianalyzed
thateclipsefirst.Itoccurredon12December,butwasannularWhilein33AD,over
Jerusalem,theMoonsshadowbarelyclippedtheSun,the29ADeclipsewastotal.At10:40
amlocaltime,thelineoftotalitypassedthroughNicosia,Cyprus.InDamascus,Syria,the
maximumeclipsewasexperiencedat10:48A.M.TheMoonsshadowhadfirstappearedon
thesolardiscat9:18A.M.anditstransitionendedat12:38P.M.OverJerusalemat10:45
A.M.,Iwouldsaytherewasa9798%.
b.Dr.StenOdenwaldwritesintheArchiveofAstronomyQuestionsandAnswers,InActs
2:20itwasreportedthattheMoonwouldbeturnedtobloodandtheSunturnedto
darknessatthetimeoftheResurrectionPredictionsshowthattherewasonlyonelunar
eclipsevisiblefromJerusalematthetimeofPassoverintheperiodfrom2636AD.It
occurredonFridayApril3,AD33.TheMoonroseabovethehorizonalreadyinthemidstof
eclipseandwouldhaveprogressivelyturnedtobloodastheeclipsecontinued.
3.FactsaboutSolarandLunarEclipses:
a.Asolareclipsecanonlyoccurwhenthemoonpassesbetweenthesunandtheearth.When
thishappens,themoonisreferredtoasanewmoon.Whenthemoonpassesbetweenthe
sunandtheearththesunsraysareblockedandpartoftheearthisdarkened.The
maximumlengthofatotaleclipseis+12minutes,notthreehours.
(1)JesuswascrucifiedonFridaymorningofthePassoverweek(Luke22:15;24:1,13,21),
thus,HediedonthefirstdayofUnleavenedbread(Leviticus23:57).
(2)TheJewsfollowedalunarcalendar.Eachnewmonthbeganwithanewmoon(Numbers
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28:1115).Therefore,Passoverwouldoccurduringthemiddleofthecycle,thetimeof
fullmoon(Leviticus23:48).
(3)SinceChristwascrucifiedduringthePassover,itisimpossibletoexplainthedarkness
thatoccurredasanaturalphenomenon,i.e.,atotalsolareclipse.
b.Alunareclipseonlyoccursduringafullmoonwhentheearthsshadowiscastuponthe
moon(becausethemoonisbehindearthfacingthesun).However,thiseventcannot
correspondtowhatwasdescribedintheGospelssincealunareclipseoccursonlyatnight.
(1)Inthefirstplace,Acts2:20hasnothingtodowiththecrucifixionofJesus.Peterappliesit
totheeventsofPentecostwhichwasfiftydayslater.
(2)Inthesecondplace,anyattempttoequatethedarkeningofthesunwithalunareclipse
isadenialofthetext.Thesunwasdarkenedatnoonuntil3:00PM,neitherMatthew,
MarkorLukesaidanythingaboutthemoon.
(3)Whathappenedcannotbeexplainedbyanynaturallyoccurringastronomical
phenomenon.
c.OnlyamiraclewillexplainwhathappenedthatdayasChristwasbeingcrucified.Amiracle
isnotoutofcharactereitherwiththeevent(theSononlybegottenofGodisforsin)orGod
whowouldhavewroughtit.Consider:
(1)ThePlague(Exodus10:2123)
(2)TheExtendedDay(Joshua10:1214)
(4)TheReversedDay(IIKings20:811)
d.Wasthisalocaloraworldwideevent?
(1)Infavorofalocalevent
(a)Timespecific(Matthew27:45)
(b)Limitedhours(onlythesethree)
(c)Language(Luke4:25;Acts7:11)
(2)Infavorofuniversalevent
(a)Significance(John3:16)
(b)Language(Romans10:18;cf.Psalm19:14)
(3)Alocaleventseemsmoreinkeepingw/thefactsthedarknessseemstohavebeenfor
thoseobservingthecrucifixion(Luke23:4748).
4.Whatdoesthisfifthwonderreveal?
a.ThePowerofGod
(1)MiraclesareattributabletoGodalone;certainlyHewhomadethestarsandplanetscan
movethemwhereandhowHewills(Colossians1:17andHebrews1:3).
(2)TheseeventscanbeassignedtonoothersourcethanGod(Acts4:16).
(3)Onepurposeofmiraclesistoconfirmtheprophetwithwhomthesignisassociated
(Mark16:1720;Hebrews2:34).ThismiracleupheldJesusasGodsmessenger(Matthew
27:54).
b.AHorrifiedCreation
(1)AsintheWordsoftheHymn,Wellmightthesunindarknesshideandshuthisglories
in,whenChristtheMightyMakerdiedformanthecreaturessin.
(a)Itisapoeticapplication(personification)
(b)Similarapplications(Isaiah1:3;13:1011;24:23;Jeremiah4:28;12:4;Hosea4:3;Joel
1:1420;Jonah3:8).
(2)NaturemournsherCreatorstreatment
(a)AllnaturepraisesGodasherCreator(Psalms148:26).
(b)Whythenshoulditnotmourn,recoilandtrembleattheeviltreatmentmanheaped
upontheirMaker?
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c.AJudgmentuponIsrael
(1)Itwasasignofcondemnation.
(a)Theprophetsusetheimageryofthesunbeingdarkenedtoindicatetheremovalofa
worldpower(Isaiah13:10;Joel2:31;3:15;Acts2:20)
(b)Heavenlymiraclesassociatedwithjudgment(Isaiah7:11;2Kings20:11;Judges5:20;
Joshua10:1213).
(2)IsraelWasRejected
(a)Thoughreclaimedtheywerenotfullyrestored(Matthew12:4345).
(b)Theirhousewasempty(Matthew23:3739).
(c)TheywereGodspeoplenomore(Romans2:2829).
d.AsanEmblemofSin
(1)DarknessIsanEmblemofSin
(a)Sinfulmanisindarkness(John3:19)
(b)Theyareunderthepowerofdarkness(John3:19;Ephesians6:12;1John5:19;Acts
26:18)
(c)W/olightwestumble(Proverbs4:19)
(2)Jesusisthemeanstoescapethedarknessofsin
(a)Thedarknessendedw/Jesuscry(Mark15:3438)
(b)Jesuscandeliverusfromthepowerofdarkness(John12:46;Colossians1:13)
(c)BytheGospel(Acts26:18;2Corinthians4:46)
(d)Willyoucomeintothelight?(John3:2021)

F. The Sixth Wonder: The Veil of the Temple Is Rent (Matthew 27:5051)
1.OfthethingsthatoccurredonthedayinwhichChristdied,therendingoftheveilofthe
Templeisperhapsoneofthemoresignificantfromaspiritualperspective.Yet,itssignificance
isnotexplainedinthecontext,butratheritisleftforthereadertoinferfromotherpassages.
Threeofthefourevangelistsrecordthemiracle(Matthew27:5051;Mark15:3738;Luke23:44
46),Johnalonefailstomentionit.
2.TheVeiloftheTemple:
a.MosesindicatesthatthereweretwoveilsassociatedwiththeTabernacleorTemple.
(1)AccordingtotheISBE,InExodus,Leviticus,Numbers,theveilthathungbetweenthe
twoholychambersofthetabernacleismentioned23times(Exodus26:31,etc.).Inseveral
placesitistermedtheveilofthescreenanditisdistinguishedfromthescreenforthe
doorofthetabernacle(Exodus35:12,15;39:34,38).Bythelatterismeantthecurtainthat
hungoutsidetheholyplace,i.e.atthetabernacleentrance.
(2)Exodus26:31informsusthattheveilwasmadeoffinetwinedlinen,andthatitscolors
wereblueandpurpleandscarlet.Itwasembroideredwithcherubim.Ateachremovalof
thetabernacletheveilwasusedtoenwrapthearkofthetestimony(Numbers4:5).
(3)FromitsproximitytothiscentralobjectoftheHebrewceremonialsystem,theveilis
termedtheveilofthetestimony(Leviticus24:3),theveilwhichisbeforethe
testimony(Exodus27:21),etc.
(4)InSolomonsTempletheveilismentionedbutonce(IIChronicles3:14).Itwas
protectedbydoorsofolivewood(1Kings6:31).Inthelatertemple[oftherestoration]it
isalludedtoin1Maccabees1:22.
b.Thedimensionsofthisveilrevealthatitwasofgreatproportions:
(1)AccordingtoAlfredEdersheimtheveilinHerodsTemplewasimmense,TheVeils
beforetheMostHolyPlacewere40cubits(60feet)long,and20(30feet)wide,ofthe
thicknessofthepalmofthehand,andwroughtin72squares,whichwerejoined

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together;andtheseVeilsweresoheavy,that,intheexaggeratedlanguageofthetime,it
needed3000prieststomanipulateeach(TheLife&TimesofJesustheMessiah;Vol.2,p.
481).
(2)JosephusgivessomesenseofthesizeoftheveilinhisdescriptionoftheTemple,When
anypersonenteredintothetemple,itsfloorreceivedthem.Thispartofthetemple
thereforewasinheightsixtycubits,anditslengththesame;whereasitsbreadthwasbut
twentycubits:butstillthatsixtycubitsinlengthwasdividedagain,andthefirstpartof
itcutoffatfortycubits,andhadinitthreethingsthatwereverywonderfulandfamous
amongallmankind;thecandlestick,thetable[ofshewbread],andthealtarofincense
Buttheinmostpartofthetempleofallwasoftwentycubits.Thiswasalsoseparated
fromtheouterpartbyaveil.Inthistherewasnothingatall.Itwasinaccessibleand
inviolable,andnottobeseenbyany;andwascalledtheHolyofHolies(Warsofthe
Jews,V.v.207221).
(3)TheISBEalsocommentsontheveilssizeanddesignbaseduponJosephusandother
sources:Theholyplacewasseparatedfromtheholiestbyapartitiononecubitin
thickness,beforewhichhunganembroideredcurtainorveilthatwhichwasrentat
thedeathofJesus(Matthew27:51andparallels;Midrash,iv.7,makestwoveils,witha
spaceofacubitbetweenthem).TheHolyofHolieswasempty;onlyastonestood,asin
thetempleofZerubbabel,onwhichthehighpriestplacedhiscenserontheDayof
Atonement(Mishna,Yoma,v.2).Intheholyplacewerethealtarofincense,thetableof
shewbread(North),andthesevenbranchedgoldencandlestick(South).Representations
ofthetwolatterareseeninthecarvingsontheArchofTitus.Thespaciousentranceto
theholyplacehadfoldingdoors,beforewhichhungarichlyvariegatedBabylonian
curtain.Abovetheentrancewasagoldenvinewithclustersaslargeasaman(Josephus,
AntiquitiesoftheJews,XV,xi,3;WarsoftheJews,V,v,4).
c.ThefunctionofthisveilintheTempleworship:
(1)TheveilwasclearlyintendedtomarkaseparationbetweentheHolyandtheMostHoly
PlacesoftheTemple(Exodus26:3135).
(2)TheArkoftheCovenantwithitsMercySeatwastobeconcealedfromtheviewofallby
theveil,whetherwheninthetabernacle(Exodus40:3,21)orwhenitwasmoved
(Numbers4:5).
(3)TheveilservedtoconcealthevisiblePresenceofJehovahabovetheMercySeatfromthe
viewofanyman(Exodus25:22;29:4344;30:6;Leviticus16:2,1217).
(4)Theonlymanallowedtopasswithintheveilwasthehighpriestinordertomake
atonementonceayearforhimselfandthenation(Leviticus16:cf.Hebrews9:7).
(5)Toactinviolationofthesecommandmentsresultedindeath(Leviticus16:2;ISamuel
6:19;Numbers4:15,19).
3.Whathappenedtotheveil?
a.Therehadbeendarknessoverthelandfromnoonuntil3:00p.m.(Matthew27:45).Asthe
ninthhourpassed,thesunreturned,buttheSonofMangaveuptheghostanddied(27:50).
ItisatthismomentthattheveilintheTemplewasrentfromtoptobottom(27:51).
b.WhenthisoccurredapriestwasintheHolyPlaceministeringatthealtarofincenseasit
wasthetimeoftheeveningprayers(Luke1:810;IIChronicles31:2;Exodus30:78),other
priestswereofficiatingatthealtarofferingtheeveningsacrifice(Exodus29:3839).
c.ThecourtbeforetheTemple,aswellasotherswithintheTemplecomplex,werefilledwith
peoplepraying(Luke1:10,21;Acts3:1,9).Thisisaneventthatdidnotpassunnoticed.
d.NoneoftheNTwritersassociatetherendingoftheveilwiththeearthquake.(However,
JeromeerroneouslydidsointhefourthcenturyA.D.uponreadingaspuriousaccountofit
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intheGospeloftheNazarene.)Theyallspecificallymentiontheveilbeingrentbeforethe
quake,andarecarefulidentifythetearasbeingmadefromtoptobottom,animpossible
matterforahumanagencyandwhollyimprobablebyanynaturalphenomenon.
4.Whatdoesthesixthwondersignify?
a.Inordertounderstandwhatthisincrediblemiraclesignifieswemustspendamoment
makingcertainweunderstandwhatthegreatveilintheTemplesignifiedtotheJew.
(1)Withintheveilwastheark,inwhichwasplacedthetestimonyanduponthatthe
coveringofthemercyseat(Exodus26:1622;cf.Hebrews9:14).
(2)ThetestimonywastheBookoftheLaw,anditwasputintothearkasawitnessagainst
thepeoplebecauseoftheirsinfulness(Exodus25:16,21;30:6;Deuteronomy31:2627).
(3)ThissymbolizedthegreattruththatthefirstrelationintowhichJehovahcomeswiththe
sinneristhatofarulerwhoselawtestifiesagainstthetransgressor(Deuteronomy27:26;
Jeremiah11:3;Leviticus18:5;Galatians3:1014).
(4)But,asnoted,thistestimonywascoveredbythemercyseat,onwhichthebloodof
atonementwassprinkledbythehighpriestwhenheenteredwithintheveil(Leviticus
16:115),andabovewhichthevisibleemblemofJehovahspresencebetweenthe
cherubimofglorywasenthroned;andinthistherewasanattestationofthefactthatthe
condemningandaccusingpoweroftheLawwastakenawaybythepropitiatory
coveringwhichGodhadappointed(cf.Colossians2:1314).
(5)ByallthiswasindicatedthegrandtruththatJehovahdweltamonghispeopleasajustly
offendedbut,nevertheless,mercifulandpropitiatedsovereign,who,havingreceived
atonementfortheirsins,hadputtheseoutofHissight(Psalm32:1;51;1,9;85:2).
(6)However,therehungthisveil,hidingallofthesewondersfromthepeople,thepriests
andtheLevites.Nonebutthehighpriest,andheonlyonceayearunderacloudof
incense,couldactuallyseewhatwasdonebeforethegloryofGod.Thegreatmystery
concealedbytheveilwastheHolySpiritsmethodofteachingtheJewthatthesethings
wereonlytypesandshadowsofgreaterspiritualrealitiesyettoberevealedand
actualized(Hebrews9:610).
(7)Theconstantrepetitiondaybyday,morningandevening,continuallyofferinganimal
sacrificesasanatonementmusthaveledthespiritualJewtorealizethatthebloodof
bullsandgoatscannottakeawaysin(Hebrews10:14).Theremustbesomethingbetter!
b.IntherendingoftheveiloftheTemplesomethingbetterissignaledashavingcome.
(1)ForwhilethepriestofIsraelwaskneelingbeforethealtarofincenseandprayingforthe
atonementofhisandthenationssins,andhisbrotherpriestwasstandingatthebaseof
thegreataltarpouringout,yetagain,thebloodofanothereveningsacrifice,thesinless
SonofGodwasprayingfromthealtarofGolgotha,Fatherforgivethemfortheyknow
notwhattheydoitisfinishedintoThyhandsIcommendMySpirit.
(2)Then,uponagreatcryofanguishandthecoldshudderofdeath,theearthquakedand
theunseenhandofGodreacheddownfromheavenandtoretheveilintwosignifying
whattheyhaddoneandwhatGodhadfinished.
(3)WiththedeathofMessiahthewayintotheholiestofallwasmademanifest(Hebrews
9:8)becausetheforerunnerJesusenteredintothatwithintheveil(Hebrews6:1920)
withHisownbloodonceforalltoobtaineternalredemptionforus(Hebrews9:1114).
(4)TheearthlyTabernacleandTemplewasashadowypatternoftheheavenlyrealities
(Hebrews9:811;8:2).Justastheveilobscuredtheviewintotheholiestofall,theentire
MosaicsystemobscuredourviewintothespiritualrealitiesofGodseternalplan.Yet
withthedeathofJesustheserealitiesaremadeknown(Hebrews10:1923),andthat
whichhadoncebeenamysteryandcausedmentoturnawayinfearnowgivesthemthe
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assurancetodrawnearwithboldnessbythebloodofChrist(Hebrews10:19;4:16).
(5)ThedeathofJesusChristopenedforallpermanentlythewayintothepresenceofGod;
bythepowerofHisendlesslifeHemediatesinheavenforeverytruebeliever.

G. The Seventh Wonder: The Earthquake on Friday

1.Perhapsoneoftheleastconsideredandproperlyunderstoodofthewondersassociatedwith
thePassionofChrististheearthquakethatoccurredonFriday,thedaythatJesuswascrucified
(Matthew27:5054).
a.Matthewistheonlyonethatrecordstheoccurrenceofthisearthquakeinconnectionwith
themiraculousdarknessandtherendingoftheTempleveilatthemomentthatChristgave
uptheghost(Matthew27:50;cf.Mark15:3738;Luke23:4445).
b.Thisearthquakeisnottobeconfusedwithasecondquake(agreatearthquake)which
occurredonSundaymorninginconnectionwiththeresurrectionofJesus(Matthew28:2).
(1)ThissecondquakewascausedbytheangeloftheLord
(a)SeeMatthew28:2(garisaprimaryparticle;properly,assigningareason).
(b)Thisquakeisassociatedwiththerollingofthestoneawayfromtheopeningof
Christssepulcher.
(2)TheearthquakeonFridaywas,seemingly,ofgreatermagnitudethanthequakeon
Sunday
(a)Ithadtheeffectofactuallyrendingtherocks(Matthew27:51).
(b)Thesamewordisusedoftherendingoftheveil;boththeveilandtherockswere
split.
(c)ThatGodshouldcauseearthquakesorotherphenomenontoaccomplishHis
purposecanbeeasilyestablished.Hehasonprioroccasionmiraculouslycausedthe
earthtoquakeforspecificpurposes(IKings19:1112;Acts16:26;Hebrews12:26;I
Samuel14:15).
(3)Matthewemploysthefigureofspeechknownashysterologia(Bullinger;Figuresof
Speech,p.707).
(a)Inthisfiguretwoeventsconnectedasantecedentandconsequencearejoinedtogether
outofchronologicalorder(see:Matthew27:54).
(b)Inthiscase,theearthquake,whichwasantecedentandnecessarytotheresurrection
saintsjoinedwithitoutofchronologicalsequencebecauseoftheimpressionitmade
uponthecenturion(27:54).
(c)TheearthquakeandtheopeningoftheirgravesoccurredonFridaynearthetimeof
Jesusdeathasthedarknesswasbeingdispelled;however,thesaintsthemselveswere
notraiseduntilafterJesuswasraised.
(d)WhilethecenturionandhissquadronsawtheearthquakeonFriday(Matthew
27:54),itisdoubtfultheysawtheresurrectedsaintsonSunday,buttheymayhave
(27:53).ThethingshesawfromCalvarywhileattendingJesuscrucifixionwere
sufficienttoleadhimtotheconclusionthatTrulythiswastheSonofGod.
2.Asaresultofthisfirstearthquake,Matthewreportsthateverygrave,sepulcherandtombin
Jerusalemwasopened:Andthegraveswereopened(Matthew27:52).
a.Whatgravesandwhere?ItseemsreasonablethatthegravesinandaroundJerusalemare
meant,especiallythosenearandadjacenttowhereChristwascrucifiedandburied(John
19:41;cf.Deuteronomy21:23).
b.Thetimingofthiseventissignificant.
(1)Asnoted,theearthquakeofMatthew27:51occurredonFridayatabout3:00PM(the
ninthhourof27:4546).

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www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com

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(2)ItistheeveningoftheDayofPreparation(Matthew27:57;Mark15:42;Luke23:54;
John19:31).
(3)TheSabbaththatwasdrawingonwasarguablythemostsignificantoftheyear(John
19:31)becauseitwastheSabbathofthePassoverweek(Exodus12,13).
(4)TheJewswereallbusycompletingtheirpreparationsforthisSabbathDayinwhichno
workatallcouldbedone(Leviticus23:18).
(5)Anopengrave,aboutwhichitisdoubtfulmanywouldhaveknownatthemoment,did
notlikelyattractattentionforrepairatthatlateandbusyhour(Luke24:54;John19:42).
SuchrepairworkwouldnothavebeenattemptedontheSabbathasitwouldhavebeen
prohibited.
(6)Therefore,thegravesofallthedeadinJerusalemlayopenasFridaycametoaclose
withtheexceptionofone,thetombofJesus(Mark15:46).
c.Itisimportanttotakenotewhowasraisedandwhen:Manybodiesofthesaintscameoutof
thegravesafterHisresurrection(Matthew27:5253).
(1)Itisprobablethesesaintswerepersonswhohadrecentlydied,andwouldbe
recognizedinJerusalembythosetowhomtheyappeared.
(2)ThereisnoreasontothinkthatanyOTsaintsofrenownwereraised(Acts2:29).
(3)InthattheyarecalledsaintsIsuspectthattheyweresomewhobecamedisciplesof
Jesus,likeLazarus(John12:1,11),thewidowofNainsson(Luke7:1416),Tabitha(Acts
9:3643).
(4)Itisimportanttonotethatthesaintswhichslept(27:52)didnotcomeoutofthegraves
thatwereopeneduntilafterHisresurrection(27:53).
(a)Jesuswasnotraiseduntilafter6:00AMonSundaymorning.Heappearedtoseveral
ofthedisciplesthatmorning(Matthew28:910;Mark16:911;John20:1418;Luke
24:34)andtootherslaterintheday(Luke24:1342;John20:1925).
(b)TheirappearanceinJerusalemwasdirectlyattributabletoJesusresurrection.They
probablytestifiedtothatfact(cf.John12:17).
(5)MatthewiscarefulnotequatetheresurrectionofthesesaintstothatofChrist.
(a)Thisisevidentfromhiscarefulnotingofthetimeandsequenceofevents.
(b)Thisisevidentfromthedescriptivelanguageused.
(c)Thisisevidentbyhispreciseindicationthattheircomingoutofthegraveswas
dependentuponHisbeingraised.
(d)Matthewclearlyunderstandsthatthisisamiraculoussignofsomething.
3.Whatdoestheseventhwondersignify?
a.Themostimportantandmostobvious,yettheleastcommentedupon,isthesignificanceof
theearthquakeasaproofofJesusownresurrection.
(1)ThefactthatallthegravesinJerusalemwereopenedonFridayremarkablyidentifies
Jesustombastheonlytombsealedthatentirethreedays.
(2)TheearthquakemakesitimpossibletohavemisidentifiedthetombofJesus.
(3)Furthermore,itwasnotpossibletohavegonetothewrongtombonSundayandfound
itemptysinceallothertombswhichwerepossessedofbodieswereopenandtheir
bodieswereyetinthem.
b.Itwasoneofmanysignswhosepowerandcharacterweresufficienttoconvincethehonest
nonbelieverthatJesusofNazarethwasindeedChrist,theSonofGod(Matthew27:54;
Mark15:39;Luke23:47).
(1)ThecenturionwasnotonlyconvictedthatJesuswastheSonofGod,butthatitwasby
hisownhandstheChristhaddied(Acts2:23).
(2)Imagineifyoucan,aswellyoushould,theoverwhelmingpowerofthatconviction.
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www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com

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(3)So,thismanandhiscomradesfearedgreatlywhicharguablycanconveytheideaof
beliefandrepentance(Colossians3:22;IPeter2:17).
c.Symbolically,theearthquakeatthemomentofJesusdeathgivesavisualimagetothe
realitythatitisHisdeathuponthecrossthatoverthrowsthepowerofthegrave(Hebrews
2:915)andHisresurrectionthatidentifiesHimasthefirstbornfromthedeadamongmany
brethren(Colossians1:18;Romans8:29;Hebrews2:13).

III. CONCLUSION:
A. The Seven Wonders of Calvary
1.TheAngelthatcameandstrengthenedJesus(Luke22:4345)
2.ThemobwasknockedtothegroundintheGardenofGethsemane(John18:36)
3.ThecockcrowedthreetimesinconjunctionwithPeterslies(John13:3638)
4.ThemannerofJesusdeathbycrucifixion(John19:2337)
5.Thedarknessoveralltheland(Luke23:4446;Matthew27:4546,50;Mark15:33,37)
6.TheVeiloftheTempleistornintwo(Matthew27:5051)
7.TheearthquakeatthemomentofJesusdeath(Matthew27:5154)

B. Will These Wonders Affect You as They Have Others?

1.JudasandthemobwereunmovedandbetrayedJesus.
2.Peterrepented,weptgreattearsofremorseandlivedinordertodieforJesus.
3.ThecenturionandhiscomradesfearedgreatlyandconfessedthatJesuswastheSonofGod.
4.ManyinJerusalemsawthedeadsaintsraisedandmarveledatthesignsthatweredone.
5.ManyotherscontinuedtoplotandschemeagainstJesusinunbelief.

Jeff Asher

www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com

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