The Darkest Day
Introduction:
A
bright star welcomed the birth of the Savior, but just before Jesus’ death
– the sun hid its light as darkness filled the earth. In this lesson,
we’ll examine what caused the darkness; the significance of the event; and what
it should mean to us.
I. What caused the darkness?
A.
Theories
of man:
1.
solar
eclipse
2.
cloud
of interplanetary matter
3.
sun
spots
4.
intense
cloud cover; volcanic ash
B.
A
mighty miracle of Almighty God.
1.
God has
the ability to exert his power over the sun.
2.
Ex.
10:21-23 – 9th plague against Egypt.
3.
Josh
10:11-14 – the longest day as Israel fights Canaanites.
4.
2 Kings
20:8-11 – Hezekiah’s sign
C.
The extent of the darkness.
1.
Matthew
27:45; Mark 15:33; Lk. 23:44 – darkness came upon all the land.
2.
We can
infer that the darkness fell upon the entire earth.
II. What does the darkness
represent?
A.
In
scripture, darkness often represents God’s judgment.
B.
Satan
is referred to as the ruler of darkness.
C.
Still
others see the event as nature showing sympathy to the dying Savior through these
extraordinary events accompanying at His crucifixion.
III. The Cry of Darkness.
A.
Mt.
27:46 – Jesus cries out.
1.
Quotes
from Psa. 22 in an hour of dark despair.
2.
Mt.
27:47 – some thought He was calling for Elijah.
B.
Mt.
27:50 – Jesus dies & the darkness lifts shortly thereafter. Light
prevails!
IV. Applications for a 21st Century Audience:
A.
Mk.
15:39 – like the centurion, we should recognize the significance of this
event!
B.
Col
1:13 – Jesus has brought us out of the darkness & into light.
1.
John
8:12; 12:44-46
C.
We are
to be the light of the world. Mt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15; Eph. 5:8-14
Conclusion:
A.
We may
never know exactly how the 3 hours of darkness came to be, but we can know for
certain God was the cause of it.
B.
It
should remind us of how horrible sin is and the high price that was paid so
that we can now walk in the light.
C.
Are you
walking in the light or are you trapped in darkness?