Miracles at the Cross

There were many surprises and miracles at the cross that day. A hardened Roman centurion who had overseen hundreds, perhaps thousands of executions, had never seen a man die like Jesus died. Something happened in his heart when he saw Jesus die. In verse 47 he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent! Surely this man was the Son of God!” What could have broken the hard heart of this cruel, calloused soldier? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. He was won by God’s love.
Two men were saved at the cross that day—one Jewish criminal when Jesus lived and spoke, “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” and one Gentile centurion when Jesus died. The cross is God’s great surprise! Who would have thought that a cross and a Savior dead on a cross would save the world? That includes you and me!
Another miracle: when Jesus died, there was an earthquake that shook the place. The veil of the temple—a massive curtain a foot thick, thirty feet high and long, weighing thousands of pounds—was torn from top to bottom! Not by human hands, but by God’s hands. This veil separated the holy place from the holy of holies where God’s presence dwelled. But now, because of Christ’s death, we have a way into the presence of God forever. There is no longer a need for blood sacrifices. Jesus tore down the barrier so we can now go in!