One of the mysteries that some people try to explore is the period of time right before and after death. They get fascinated with stories of people who die and then are revived somehow. They love to hear about the “white light” and any other information that for them takes the mystery out of death. Many want and need reassurance that life continues after death. And they hope to find proof to satisfy this need.
I personally don’t need any further proof of life after life. I have experienced a different kind of life now that has convinced me, yea, proven to me that life continues after this body kicks the bucket. No story written on a page by a modern author, or produced in CGI could awaken my imagination more, or provide a greater peaceful assurance than I have now.
But I know I am the exception. Even many fellow Jesus-followers struggle with dying and death. I certainly, like so many, don’t look forward to any suffering that may take place in the dying process. I’m not crazy. Well, maybe the jury is still out on that count.
Jesus is on the cross. He has been there for six hours, a long time to be on a cross, but certainly well within the norms of crucifixion. He is still alive and breathing. In fact, He has enough presence of mind to quote Scripture. And if you look at Psalm 22 you can get a glimpse into the scene that day.
And as Jesus quotes the Scripture loud enough for everyone around to hear, He is not just quoting a Scripture to direct us toward deeper understanding, but the quote is a cry of His actual experience in that moment. He feels forsaken, separated from the Father for the first time in His eternal existence. His heart feels alone.
But some in the crowd don’t clue into the language being spoken. They think He is calling out to Elijah for help. They want to sustain Jesus longer, to stay in that moment in order to see if anything exciting will happen. They are bored with crucifixion. They need more excitement than that. So they try to offer Jesus a little refreshment to hold Him.
And then it happens. Jesus voluntarily gives up His life. He surrendered to the cross, and now He surrenders to death itself. Remember, this is a death He never should have died. He was innocent, without sin. Death is the penalty for sin. No sin, no death.
And something happens in Jerusalem that symbolizes what Jesus has done. The curtain in the Jewish Temple, the curtain that separated the most sacred place, the place where cloud and fire had appeared, both visible signs of the LORD’s presence, that curtain is torn. This thick curtain, 3-4 inches thick, and it is torn from top to bottom. This is an act that started with the LORD and continued to earth.
Even the commander of the Roman troops recognizes that Jesus’ death is different. And the women who have remained, even when most men have fled, watch at a distance. I am sure the tissues were in heavy demand. They had been as close, if not closer to Jesus than the disciples. They had heard Jesus speaking. They had seen Him yawning and falling asleep. They had heard the laughter around the table, and seen His tears. And now He slumps in death.
The Arnold Journey 