The silence of the grave seemed to have fallen upon Calvary. A nameless terror held the throng that was gathered about the cross. The cursing and reviling ceased in the midst of half-uttered sentences. Men, women, and children fell prostrate upon the earth. Vivid lightnings occasionally flashed forth from the cloud, and revealed the cross and the crucified Redeemer. Priests, rulers, scribes, executioners, and the mob, all thought that their time of retribution had come. After a while some whispered that Jesus would now come down from the cross. Some attempted to grope their way back to the city, beating their breasts and wailing in fear.

I dette tætte mørke skjulte Gud sin Søns sidste menneskelige dødskamp. Alle, der havde set Kristus under hans lidelse, havde været overbevist om hans guddommelighed. Når mennesker én gang havde set dette ansigt, kunne de aldrig glemme det. Ligesom Kains ansigt gav udtryk for, at han var skyldig i et mord, sådan åbenbarede Kristi ansigt uskyldighed, ophøjet ro og menneskekærlighed, Guds eget billede. Men hans anklagere ville ikke ænse dette himmelske segl. Igennem de lange timers kval havde den spottende mængde stirret på Kristus. Nu skjulte Gud ham i sin nåde under sin kappe.