This week we look at scriptures related to the final week of Jesus' life, from his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his appearance to some women after he rose from the grave. We'll also take a look at some passages from the Old Testament that foreshadow Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection in a powerful way.

Read Matthew 27:45-56

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Reflect

What a dark day. Jesus offered up his spirit to His Father. He did what he came to this earth to do. But what else happened that day? What happened to the earth? What happened in the temple? What happened at a local cemetery? What were these other things signs of, on this dark day?

Respond

Even at the darkest moments, God offers us signs of hope. Pray that when life is dark for you, you will have eyes to see God's grace notes all around you.