There was darkness over the whole land.
The three hours’ darkness
What a call must that midday midnight have been to the careless! They knew not that the Son of God was among them; nor that He was working out human redemption. The grandest hour in all history seemed likely to pass by unheeded, when suddenly night hastened from her chambers and usurped the day. Every one asked his fellow, “What means this darkness?” Business stood still: the plough stayed in mid-furrow and the axe paused uplifted. There was a halt in the caravan of life. Men were startled, and hushed into silence.
I. Let us view this darkness as a miracle which amazes us. Abundant reason for a miracle at this time. The unusual in lower nature is made to consort with the unusual in the dealings of nature’s Lord. The sun darkened at noon is a fit accompaniment of the death of Jesus.
II. Let us regard this darkness as a veil which conceals.
1. A concealment for guilty enemies.
2. A sacred concealment for the blessed Person of our Divine Lord. The angels found for their King a pavilion of thick clouds, in the which His Majesty might be sheltered in its hour of misery.
3. The Passion is a great mystery, into which we cannot pry.
4. The powers of darkness will always endeavour to conceal the cross of Christ.
III. Let us consider this darkness as a symbol which instructs. The veil falls down and conceals; but, at the same time, as an emblem it reveals.
1. It is the symbol of the wrath of God which fell on those who slew His only-begotten sent.
2. It tells us what our Lord Jesus Christ suffered.
3. It shows us what it was that Jesus was battling with-darkness.
IV. A prophetical display of sympathy.
1. All lights are dim when Christ shines not.
2. See the dependence of all creation on Christ.
3. If under a cloud, take comfort from the thought that Jesus also was once there. Feel after Him. Lean on Him. He will hold you up. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Total eclipse of the sun
A pious astronomer, in describing an eclipse which he witnessed in Norway, says: “I watched the instantaneous extinction of light, and saw the glorious scene on which I had been gazing turned into darkness. All the horizon seemed to speak of terror, death, and judgment; and overhead sat, not the clear flood of light which a starry night sends down, but there hung over me dark and leaden blackness, which seemed as if it would crush me into the earth. And as I beheld it I thought, How miserable is the soul to whom Christ is eclipsed! The thought was answered by a voice; for a fierce and powerful sea bird which had been swooping around us, apparently infuriated at our intrusion on its domain, poured out a scream of despairing agony when it was surprised in the darkness.” What, then, will be the fearful surprise, when the lost soul finds itself in that world “where hope, withering, flees, and mercy sighs, Farewell!” (Christian Age.)