The death of Jesus brings about a great change in the atmosphere around him as he hangs on the cross (Mark 15:16-47). Beforehand he is mocked, beaten, and tortured. There is extreme pain – both physical and emotional – as the nails are hammered into his flesh. Religious leaders display an astounding level of callousness as he hangs dying. They are venomous as they hurl their insults towards him.

But afterwards, when the veil was torn at his last breath we can notice a significant change. A hardened soldier utters a great truth; women faithfully stand by Jesus; a member of the establishment prepares his body for burial – displaying an amazing tenderness.

Where there was distress, nastiness and darkness, there is now hope, love and light. His horrible death becomes a turning point not only in history but also in the very atmosphere around him that very day. It is a mighty display of Kingdom come. A display we too can see every time we draw the cross into the centre of our lives.