In these coming days, you will be hearing more and thinking more about Easter and the Ressurection event. You will ponder the death of Jesus on Friday and suddenly realize this: Jesus could have said everything He had to say from the cross in five minutes, yet He stayed there for six hours. There must be a message in that for us that it took so long to give a short lesson that is still unclear for many people.
First, He said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Imagine, in this day of hurry-up death penalties, forgiving those who kill you. It would take a while to swallow that.
Then, He said “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise”. (Luke 23:43) Can you imagine? While suffering an unjust murder, taking time to forgive another sinner.
His third saying was a word of human care. Knowing that His earthly Mother had no other means of support; He said to John “Here is your Mother.” (John 19:27) Yes, earthly responsibilities given us by God are important and demand our responsibility.
Matthew 27:46 records the next words “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” What terrible words! It was at that specific moment that He took the sin and guilt of the world and became our substitute and paid an awful price for doing it.
The fifth saying is found in John 19:28 “I am thirsty”. Here we get the full impact of the human side of the God-man suffering for us.
The He said “It is finished.” (John 19:30) A triumphant shout to celebrate His victory over sin and Hell.
And the last thing He said was “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
He left the glory place for a gory place and His last words give us a basis for hope. Keep reading this week, it is your message of hope.
“Precious Saviour, it is good to know that we were on Your mind while you
were hanging on the cross. Please open our understanding more this week. Amen”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment