Crucifixion of Christ
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could behold no longer; and veiled their faces from the sight. The sun
refused to look upon the dreadful scene. Jesus cried with a loud voice,
which struck terror to the hearts of his murderers, It is finished. Then
the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom, the earth
shook, and the rocks rent. Great darkness was upon the face of the
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earth. The last hope of the disciples seemed swept away as Jesus died.
Many of his followers witnessed the scene of his sufferings and death,
and their cup of sorrow was full.
Satan did not then exult as he had done. He had hoped that he
could break up the plan of salvation; but it was laid too deep. And now
by Jesus’ death, he knew that he must finally die, and his kingdom
be taken away and given to Jesus. He held a council with his angels.
He had prevailed nothing against the Son of God, and now they must
increase their efforts, and with their cunning and power turn to Jesus’
followers. They must prevent all they could from receiving salvation
purchased for them by Jesus. By so doing Satan could still work
against the government of God. Also it would be for his own interest
to keep from Jesus all he could. For the sins of those who are redeemed
by the blood of Christ, and overcome, at last will be rolled back upon
the originator of sin, the Devil, and he will have to bear their sins,
while those who do not accept salvation through Jesus will bear their
own sins.
Jesus’ life was without worldly grandeur, or extravagant show.
His humble, self-denying life was a great contrast to the lives of the
priests and elders, who loved ease and worldly honor, and the strict
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and holy life of Jesus was a continual reproof to them, on account of
their sins. They despised him for his humbleness, holiness and purity.
But those who despised him here, will one day see him in the grandeur
of heaven, and the unsurpassed glory of his Father. He was surrounded
with enemies in the judgment hall, who were thirsting for his blood;
but those hardened ones who cried out, His blood be on us and on our
children, will behold him an honored King. All the heavenly host will
escort him on his way with songs of victory, majesty and might, to
him that was slain, yet lives again a mighty conqueror. Poor, weak,
miserable man spit in the face of the King of glory, while a shout
of brutal triumph arose from the mob at the degrading insult. They
marred that face with blows and cruelty which filled all heaven with
admiration. They will behold that face again, bright as the noon-day