Good Friday 2019: Miracles and legends of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion

Good Friday is observed with fast and prayers by Christians all over the world to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for the sins of humanity. But then, what is so fascinating about the execution of a man some 2,000 years ago? Because around the time Jesus was crucified, it is estimated that the Romans had crucified around 30,000 men in Palestine alone. So, what does the death of Christ, a man, who walked and tread the earth like any other human being any different from the thousands crucified? Call it coincidence or a string of miracle, the phenomenal events that took place the moment Christ closed his eyes and said, "It is Finished" is anything but coincidental.

The book of Matthew records the phenomenal events that took place when Jesus died.

Darkness ensued (darkness came over the whole land-Matthew 27:45)

The Holy book says that Christ was nailed to the cross at 9 a.m but what ensued from the moment He was hung on the cross to the moment is nothing sort of phenomenal. The book of Mark records that around noon while Jesus was on the cross, total darkness overcame the area, until about 3 p.m. when He cried out, “It is finished” and died (John 19:30).

The Temple Curtain tore right into two (The curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom” -Matt. 27:51).

The very moment, Jesus breathed his last, the Temple veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies, tore in two from top to bottom. Matt. 27:51. Note this, the curtain of the time is nothing like the one we see in today’s time, history records that the veil was actually about 60 feet tall and up to 4 inches thick, making it impossible for any human to tear this into two.

Earthquake shook the land (The earth quaked, and the rocks were split”-Matthew 27:51)

Earthquakes were a common phenomenon in Palestine during the time, but the precise timing followed by the accompanying events suggest the intervention of a hand not one of this World. The Bible says that at the exact time of Jesus' death, the earth trembled meaning an earthquake overcame the land. And Matthew 27:54 records, "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!"

The dead from the grave as Christ died. Matthew 27: 28 records that following the earthquake, the tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. These resurrections have been demonstrated by many as Jesus’ victory over death.