Jesus had been crucified at 9 am. Then at noon, darkness shrouded the land for three hours. Matthew probably used the Jewish reckoning of telling time.

(NASB) Matthew 27:45 “Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.”

Many onlookers stayed but it is possible that during this time the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders left to prepare to celebrate Passover. How ironic, the true Passover Lamb was on the cross.

What other onlookers were there during this unusual darkness? The Roman soldiers (they are important witnesses to Jesus”™ death), the women who had come out of love for Jesus (His mother being one of them), and John, His disciple to whom Jesus entrusted the care of His mother.

There may also have been the rabble that wanted to watch the death of the three men on the cross.

What of you? What category of onlooker are you, of Jesus the Christ (Messiah)?

Are you like the Jewish leaders, intent on worship and not considering the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world (if they would but receive that sacrificial gift)?

Perhaps you are like the Roman soldiers, observers of life without understanding the ramifications of unbelief?

Then there are those who loved Jesus and stood within His range of vision throughout His suffering ““ and suffered also. Followers of Christ are not exempt from suffering for loving and serving Messiah, the Christ. God”™s love is greater, deeper, higher and longer than any others”™ love for you ““ and there are Christians today who are suffering because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps you are one of those. [May God”™s strength, peace, and loving forgiveness fill your being for those who persecute you.]

What of you? What category of onlooker are you?

[Darkness, many times in Scripture pictures hell. Tomorrow this devotional will consider that aspect.]