For this month’s article I decided to remind people of Christ’s words after his trial.  These words are a good reminder to spend time thinking about what these words mean for us.  Below are my comments.

1. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 ESV  

This statement shows Christ’s compassion toward those who were executing his sentence. Jesus could have called down a legion of angels to destroy his condemners, but He chose forgiveness and in turn teaches us to forgive.

This statement would have also impressed the Roman soldiers. They weren’t impressed by the Jewish culture of that time.  But this man, showing mercy as he is on his way to the gallows, meant he was facing death bravely.  Bravery was one of the few things Romans soldiers did respect. The soldiers would have also noted that Jesus was an innocent man. They would have heard Pilate’s efforts to try to free Him. Maybe this is why the Centurion said, “Surely this man was the Son of God.”

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 ESV

These are words, Jesus spoke to the condemned criminal hanging by his side. It is never too late to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. He can save us even as we breathe our last breath. I have used these words to comfort the bereaved. Knowing that their loved one is in paradise with the Lord Jesus gives them a hope not found anywhere else on earth.

3. “Woman behold your son.”    John 19:26 ESV

Jesus on the cross showed his concern for his earthly mother. He knew the prophecy, concerning her had come true. Remember when Simeon blessed Mary and said, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” It was referring to her pain when she watched Jesus die on the cross. Jesus understood the emotional pain his mother was going through as she watched him hang on that tree. Jesus put aside his pain and ministered to her and those in distress around him.  In doing so he teaches us to put other’s needs ahead of our own needs.

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46 ESV

Jesus is quoting Psalm 22:1 as He hung on the cross.   Psalm 22 is a poem of King David that describes the crucifixion of Jesus, his future descendant.  Amazing how something written 1,000 years before Jesus was born could accurately predict Jesus’ death. I think at this point, in the crucifixion, Jesus is feeling the sins of the world on His shoulders. His Father, the Creator of the world is letting his Son die, when He has the power that could have prevented the execution. Jesus knows the only way to win back the authority given to Satan in Genesis is to make himself the sacrifice.  This he does willingly.    

5. “I Thirst.”   John 19:28 ESV

For those who were crucified, it was normal to be thirsty.  The loss of blood and the time spent in the sun would have all contributed to His pain of thirst. Jesus who told the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  Ironic how Jesus thirsts and yet he provides “a spring of water welling up to eternal life to those who believe He is the Messiah”!

6. “It is finished.” John 19:30    ESV

Jesus’ mission on earth has been completed!  His mission is to be the sacrifice (die on a cross) for the sins of the people.  Three times Jesus predicted his upcoming death to His disciples.  Each time Jesus was rebuked or not understood. It was not until after His resurrection, did they begin to understand His mission.  “It is finished” is good news to us today!  It means we no longer have to have sacrificial animals to have our sins forgiven.  We simply need to confess our sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness.  When we do, we receive His absolution.

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46 ESV

Luke records that when Jesus uttered these words, He breathed His last breath. This was followed by a pagan Roman Centurion who said “Certainly this man was innocent.” Even the crowds who watched the killing knew that Jesus was blameless because Luke records “they went home beating their breasts.” The promise here is that for those who believe in Christ, upon their earthly death they can be assured that we will be with the Lord.

Pastor Bob