Lk. 24:46,47 – and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
As most Christians do, I took another look at the cross this Easter season. If you take a few minutes to look at Calvary, you can easily be swept away in the love of God. I began to reflect on the seven things Jesus said while dying on the cross, these words are deeper than any ocean. Here are those statements with a few short comments.
1. Forgiveness
Lk.23:34 – “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
– THIS PRAYER WAS FOR ALL OF US
THE CURSING SOLDIERS
THE CENTURION IN CHARGE
THE DYING THIEVES
THE DISCIPLES WHO HAD RUN OFF
ME AND YOU
2. Salvation
Lk.23:43 – “This day you will be with me in Paradise.”
These were the words spoken to the man we call the thief on the cross. This man was likely suffering a just and well deserved execution. He obviously had heard of Jesus of Nazareth and when he realized he was dying next to the Lord, he began to cry out for mercy. Rather than eternal punishment he slipped into paradise with Christ.
THIS IS THE GOSPEL OF HIS GRACE
Rom.5:8 – But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
3. Affection –
HE LOVED THEM UNTIL THE END
Jn.19:26,27 – “Woman, behold your son.”
This tender statement shows us who Jesus considered family, those who believed on Him.
His love is very personal – he remembers you
4. Anguish –
EXPERIENCING THE COST OF MY SIN
MK.15:34 – “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
Again, the unthinkable happens. Jesus took God’s judgement of sin, your sins and my sins, on Himself. This is why Jesus felt forsaken at the cross. He bore my punishment that I could enjoy fellowship with the Father and the Son.
5. Suffering
Jn.19:28 – “I thirst.”
Of course Christ was human and experienced excruciating thirst at Calvary. But this speaks of more than physical thirst, Jesus is thirsting for God to be glorified by the restoration of fallen man. This was why He came and why He died.
Passion notes -The Fountain of Living Water now thirsts for the souls of men and women to come to him. He thirsts for your friendship.
6. Victory
Jn.19:30 – “It is finished.”
The cry of victory as His suffering was coming to an end; redemption had been accomplished, we were delivered totally from the shackles of sin.
THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST
7. Contentment –
What all our hearts long for –
Lk.23:46 – “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Resting in the finished work of the cross – entering into the joy of the Father –
