We have all seen grisly scenes on the news, whether it be the aftermath of natural disaster or the savage effects of war. It is even more impactful when you witness a tragic event with your own eyes, such as a horrific car crash. In either case a rush of empathy, compassion, and a sense of deep, sorrowful connection overwhelms you.

Imagine the profound reaction of those present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Witnessing this event no doubt shook onlookers to the core, leaving them both numb and awestruck. Matthew records one such reaction of the Roman centurion. In the face of Jesus’ death, the man was struck by God’s presence, leading him and others present to declare, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54).

At the cross, God’s presence was both obscured and powerfully revealed. It was obscured in the darkness and in Jesus’ cry of abandonment. Verse 45 says that “darkness came over all the land.” At the same time, it was revealed in the earth-shaking events that followed Jesus’ last breath when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open” (v. 51). It was also seen in the transformative impact of Jesus’ death on those who witnessed it (v. 54).

The crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27:45–55 isn’t easy to process, but it bears a potent truth about God’s presence. God is there even during the deepest darkness and the most excruciating pain. As we contemplate the cross today and the powerful events surrounding Jesus’ death, let us be awestruck by God’s profound love and presence. May this reverence move us to declare, like the centurion did, our faith in God.

We have all seen grisly scenes on the news, whether it be the aftermath of natural disaster or the savage effects of war. It is even more impactful when you witness a tragic event with your own eyes, such as a horrific car crash. In either case a rush of empathy, compassion, and a sense of deep, sorrowful connection overwhelms you.
Imagine the profound reaction of those present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Witnessing this event no doubt shook onlookers to the core, leaving them both numb and awestruck. Matthew records one such reaction of the Roman centurion. In the face of Jesus’ death, the man was struck by God’s presence, leading him and others present to declare, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54).
At the cross, God’s presence was both obscured and powerfully revealed. It was obscured in the darkness and in Jesus’ cry of abandonment. Verse 45 says that “darkness came over all the land.” At the same time, it was revealed in the earth-shaking events that followed Jesus’ last breath when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open” (v. 51). It was also seen in the transformative impact of Jesus’ death on those who witnessed it (v. 54).
The crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27:45–55 isn’t easy to process, but it bears a potent truth about God’s presence. God is there even during the deepest darkness and the most excruciating pain. As we contemplate the cross today and the powerful events surrounding Jesus’ death, let us be awestruck by God’s profound love and presence. May this reverence move us to declare, like the centurion did, our faith in God.

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

Today in the Word Devotional

God’s Presence at the Cross

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/cfac88ba-414c-4fe3-86a1-b17f00000e96/transcript

If you’ve ever gone on a hike through a state park, you know that the way can sometimes be unclear. You come to a fork in the trail and wonder if you should head left or right. Maybe you consult your trail guide or look for a marker that will indicate the right direction.

As we come to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we see the resurrected Jesus gather His disciples on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16). Here He delivers what has been called the Great Commission. This was a significant crossroad for the disciples, and they would rely on Jesus to help them with their next steps.

Jesus challenges them to step out of their comfort zone, to “go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19), and then, He gives them the assurance they need. He promises His presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20). Jesus’ promise brings both comfort and strength to His disciples. He assures them, and us by extension, that no matter what challenges we face in following Him, we are not alone.

Matthew at the beginning of the Gospel stated that Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us” (1:23). Now in the last verse we come full circle. This last chapter about Jesus’ death and resurrection echoes many of the themes that were introduced in Jesus’ birth narrative—not only that God is with us, but that Gentiles would be included in God’s plan (v. 19).

As Christ’s followers, we are to venture out into the world, to make disciples and to baptize in His name, all with the comfort of the Lord’s unending presence. As we step out in obedience, let us take to heart the blessing of the Lord’s presence “with us” not only for today but for all our tomorrows as well.

If you’ve ever gone on a hike through a state park, you know that the way can sometimes be unclear. You come to a fork in the trail and wonder if you should head left or right. Maybe you consult your trail guide or look for a marker that will indicate the right direction.
As we come to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we see the resurrected Jesus gather His disciples on a mountain in Galilee (v. 16). Here He delivers what has been called the Great Commission. This was a significant crossroad for the disciples, and they would rely on Jesus to help them with their next steps.
Jesus challenges them to step out of their comfort zone, to “go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19), and then, He gives them the assurance they need. He promises His presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20). Jesus’ promise brings both comfort and strength to His disciples. He assures them, and us by extension, that no matter what challenges we face in following Him, we are not alone.
Matthew at the beginning of the Gospel stated that Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us” (1:23). Now in the last verse we come full circle. This last chapter about Jesus’ death and resurrection echoes many of the themes that were introduced in Jesus’ birth narrative—not only that God is with us, but that Gentiles would be included in God’s plan (v. 19).
As Christ’s followers, we are to venture out into the world, to make disciples and to baptize in His name, all with the comfort of the Lord’s unending presence. As we step out in obedience, let us take to heart the blessing of the Lord’s presence “with us” not only for today but for all our tomorrows as well.

Assurance of God’s Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/7b93952c-7e9c-4102-b56c-b17f00000f52/transcript

What if you suddenly received a message from a loved one you thought you would never see again? How would you react? Certainly, their words would hit you with the rush of good news, and you would probably feel great joy. This captures a tiny fragment of what the women and disciples must have felt in Matthew 28 when they experienced the powerful presence of their risen Lord.

This month we have been focusing on the presence of God theme in the Gospel of Matthew. But in an ironic twist the theme of the Lord’s presence in this passage is highlighted by His absence (v. 26)! The absence of Jesus’ body from the grave is not only a powerful demonstration of the Lord’s victory over sin and death but is also a valuable lesson about His presence.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited Jesus’ tomb at dawn (v. 1). To their shock, an angel of the Lord was present, having rolled back the stone (v. 2). It was such a shocking site that all those present, including not just the women but also trained Roman guards, quivered in fear (vv. 4–5).

Next, the angel gave the women a message that changed everything: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (v. 6). We can be sure that emotions collided in these women’s hearts. Jesus, whom they loved and thought they had lost, was alive! Overwhelmed with both fear and great joy, they ran to deliver the good news to the disciples (v. 8). As they were running away from the tomb it was then that the Lord personally appeared to them, and they clasped His feet and worshiped Him (v. 9).

The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder of God’s presence. The Lord is with us, and His presence is our ultimate source of hope, joy, and life!

What if you suddenly received a message from a loved one you thought you would never see again? How would you react? Certainly, their words would hit you with the rush of good news, and you would probably feel great joy. This captures a tiny fragment of what the women and disciples must have felt in Matthew 28 when they experienced the powerful presence of their risen Lord.
This month we have been focusing on the presence of God theme in the Gospel of Matthew. But in an ironic twist the theme of the Lord’s presence in this passage is highlighted by His absence (v. 26)! The absence of Jesus’ body from the grave is not only a powerful demonstration of the Lord’s victory over sin and death but is also a valuable lesson about His presence.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visited Jesus’ tomb at dawn (v. 1). To their shock, an angel of the Lord was present, having rolled back the stone (v. 2). It was such a shocking site that all those present, including not just the women but also trained Roman guards, quivered in fear (vv. 4–5).
Next, the angel gave the women a message that changed everything: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (v. 6). We can be sure that emotions collided in these women’s hearts. Jesus, whom they loved and thought they had lost, was alive! Overwhelmed with both fear and great joy, they ran to deliver the good news to the disciples (v. 8). As they were running away from the tomb it was then that the Lord personally appeared to them, and they clasped His feet and worshiped Him (v. 9).
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder of God’s presence. The Lord is with us, and His presence is our ultimate source of hope, joy, and life!

His Presence at the Resurrection

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/29b5cc9e-62c3-4a47-956a-b17f00000eee/transcript

Farewell dinners are bittersweet occasions in that they are usually a joyful celebration and reflection of the years spent together with the one leaving, but they are also emotionally challenging in that the one being honored is going away and those that remain will not be able to enjoy this person’s personal physical presence once they depart.

In our passage Jesus has such a farewell dinner. What is usually called the “Last Supper” was part of a Passover celebration (v. 17). During the meal Jesus breaks the bread (v. 26), representing His body which was to be sacrificed on the cross, and pours out a cup of wine (v. 27), symbolizing His blood to be shed. He then shares these elements with His disciples, inviting them to partake in this ritual meal as object lessons of His sacrifice, His love, His presence. The whole meal provided a remembrance of His presence among them, but at this point Jesus states that He will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until they are all physically reunited again in the Father’s kingdom (v. 29).

When we participate in communion, not only is the Lord the original host of this ordinance, but He also directs our attention to a future time of observance when we will all be together with Him and He will once again partake of the fruit of the vine in celebration of our physical unification with Him in the “Father’s kingdom” (v. 29).

The Last Supper serves as a powerful symbol of God’s love and presence. Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, chooses to dine with His disciples, sharing with them not only the Passover meal but ultimately Himself. In His words and actions, He reveals God’s intimate, sacrificial love for humanity and the reality of the Lord’s presence in our midst.

Farewell dinners are bittersweet occasions in that they are usually a joyful celebration and reflection of the years spent together with the one leaving, but they are also emotionally challenging in that the one being honored is going away and those that remain will not be able to enjoy this person’s personal physical presence once they depart.
In our passage Jesus has such a farewell dinner. What is usually called the “Last Supper” was part of a Passover celebration (v. 17). During the meal Jesus breaks the bread (v. 26), representing His body which was to be sacrificed on the cross, and pours out a cup of wine (v. 27), symbolizing His blood to be shed. He then shares these elements with His disciples, inviting them to partake in this ritual meal as object lessons of His sacrifice, His love, His presence. The whole meal provided a remembrance of His presence among them, but at this point Jesus states that He will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until they are all physically reunited again in the Father’s kingdom (v. 29).
When we participate in communion, not only is the Lord the original host of this ordinance, but He also directs our attention to a future time of observance when we will all be together with Him and He will once again partake of the fruit of the vine in celebration of our physical unification with Him in the “Father’s kingdom” (v. 29).
The Last Supper serves as a powerful symbol of God’s love and presence. Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, chooses to dine with His disciples, sharing with them not only the Passover meal but ultimately Himself. In His words and actions, He reveals God’s intimate, sacrificial love for humanity and the reality of the Lord’s presence in our midst.

Sharing His Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/616d1967-2dfa-4bb2-9a44-b17f00000e23/transcript

God’s Presence at the Cross

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