Jesus experienced an hour of darkness that paid the ultimate price for our transgressions so we may have complete joy and eternal life. What could compel the Son of God to endure such torture? Finishing. Finishing the work that the Father sent Him to do. The debt of all sinners was put on Jesus, who alone could pay it in full. God restored life to the world by the death of his Son. God will not compromise His holiness by indulging our sinful behavior. The cross reveals both the holiness of God and the severity of sin. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven and received by a holy God—this is the beauty of the cross. It was an act of amazing love. Have you received God’s love in Christ for you?