03/13/05 – “JESUS ON THE CROSS PART 1 - SEVEN LAST WORDS OF JESUS”
God’s purpose does not change - “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.”–Ps. 33:11
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through Him.” – John 3:16-17
Jesus is more than the way to salvation, He is our Salvation – More than a conveyor of truth, He is the Truth – More than giver of life, He is Life
“He desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:4 - Salvation comes through a personal faith in Christ
“…but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 – Came to seek and save the lost
SEVEN LAST WORDS ON THE CROSS
1.) “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” – Full of grace and truth – John 1:14
Love our enemies, bless those who curse us and to do good to those who hate us…mercy triumphs over judgment – James 2:13
“Father forgive them”…the false accusations and betrayal, “Father forgive them”…the fixed trials He went through to declare Him guilty, “Father forgive them”…Pontius Pilate who washed his hands of doing right…“Father forgive them”…the whipping and beating He received from the government, “Father forgive them”…the mistreatment of thorns pushed into His head, “Father forgive them”…the crowd who jeered and mocked and spit upon Him, “Father forgive them”…the soldiers who nailed His hands and feet to the Cross, “Father forgive them”…the religious people who spoke condescending words at His suffering and pain, “Father forgive”…You and me, for they know not what they do.”
2.) “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Speaking to the criminal hanging next to Him)
That statement debunks being saved by works – It was the thief’s faith in Christ and repentance that saved him, not good works
That there is no universal salvation – other criminal kept hurling insults at Jesus, did not repent and remained lost and died in his sins
The repentant thief asked, “Remember me”…Remind God of who you are – He listens to the cry of the penitent
3.) “Woman, behold, your son!…Behold your mother!” – John 19:26 & 27
Even in torturous pain and agony Jesus is not thinking about Himself, concerned for His mother and ongoing care of others
Jesus demonstrates we are not to abandon love and obligation to others…even in the worst of circumstances
4.) “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?’” – Mark 15:34
“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” – Is. 53:4
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
5.) “I am thirsty.” – John 19:28
Jesus had physical needs…completely experienced the human condition – The Son of God is the Son of Man and knows our needs
In His life, Jesus was hungry, He slept, He was sorrowful, He was tired and He wept – He is fully man and yet fully God
“My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and Thou dost lay me in the dust of death.” – Psalm 22:15
6.) “It is finished!” – John 19:30
We have confident access to the Father through His shed blood - ”My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities.” – Is. 53:10
Every obstacle between man and God is removed – Every demand of the Law is satisfied and every part is completed…The veil is rent!
Nothing can be added to the work of Christ for the redemption which He and He alone has secured–Only way to the Father is through Christ!
“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” – Romans 5:10 - “It is finished!” – It’s not the cry of a victim but the victor…the war’s won…the victory is ours
7) “Father, into thy hands I commit My spirit.”
Jesus’ first words on the Cross were to His Father…His last words were to His Father…”I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30
Into His hands He committed His Spirit…totally entrusting Himself to the Father, knowing His resurrection was assured
“After a little while the world will behold Me no more; but you will behold Me; because I live, you shall live also.” – John 14:19