One of the most remarkable events that occurred during Jesus’ crucifixion was the supernatural darkness that covered the land. This was no ordinary darkness—it was not a solar eclipse, nor a natural phenomenon. It was a divine act of God, marking the moment when the Light of the world was taken away.
The Biblical Account of the Darkness
The Gospels all record this event:
Matthew 27:45 –
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.”Mark 15:33 –
“Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.”Luke 23:44-45 –
“Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.”
This darkness lasted for three hours, from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3:00 PM), at the very moment Jesus was on the cross.
Could This Have Been a Solar Eclipse?
Some skeptics argue that this could have been a solar eclipse, but that is scientifically and biblically impossible for several reasons:
A solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes – A total eclipse never lasts for three hours. The longest recorded solar eclipse in history was just over seven minutes.
Passover occurs during a full moon – A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, which can only occur during a new moon. Passover, however, is always during a full moon, making an eclipse an impossibility.
Luke 23:45 states that “the sun was darkened” – This suggests a supernatural act, not an astronomical event.
This darkness was not caused by natural forces. It was an act of God.
The Symbolism of Light and Darkness in Scripture
Jesus’ birth was marked by a miraculous light—the star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:2). His departure was marked by supernatural darkness. This contrast is deeply symbolic:
Jesus is the Light of the World –
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'” (John 8:12)
When Jesus was taken, the world was plunged into literal darkness. The Old Testament often depicts darkness as a divine judgment.
“‘And it shall come to pass in that day,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will make the sun go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in broad daylight.'” (Amos 8:9)
Amos prophesied a day when God would darken the earth at noon—a direct foreshadowing of the crucifixion! Not only was there darkness on the Day of Christ, there will be darkness on the Day of the Lord.
“Blow the trumpet in Zion… for the day of the Lord is coming… a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness!” (Joel 2:1-2)
A Connection to Egypt’s Plague of Darkness
The three hours of darkness at the cross mirror the three days of darkness in Egypt:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.'” (Exodus 10:21)
This plague preceded the death of the firstborn. In the same way, darkness covered the land before the death of God’s only begotten Son.
The Veil Was Torn: The Light Returns
As the darkness lifted, another supernatural event occurred:
“Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:45)
The tearing of the veil signified that the barrier between God and man was removed. Jesus, the Light of the world, had completed His work. Sin had been atoned for, and access to the Father was now possible.
My Final Thoughts
The darkness at the crucifixion was a divine sign of mourning. It was not a natural event but a supernatural act of God, mirroring the darkness that covered Egypt before the taking of their firstborn sons, symbolizing Jesus taking on the weight of sin. Just as His coming was marked by divine light, His departure was marked by divine darkness.
Yet, the darkness did not last. When Jesus rose again, the Light of the world shone brighter than ever.
The real question is: Are you still in darkness, or have you stepped into His light?
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
