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Seven Sayings Of Jesus On The Cross Luke 23.26ff Introduction: The very last
words of a person can be very important. The “death bed confession” where a
person acknowledges some transgression in their life; the last words of comfort
and wisdom, or, the words of parting, can be very important. As we read of the
crucifixion of Jesus we read of seven statements He made on the cross. Jesus’
disciples remembered His words (Luke 24.8);
we are told to “Let the word of Christ dwell in us” (Colossians
3.16); and “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians
5.18). Colossians 3.16 and Ephesians
5.18 are parallel passages, they are equal to one another. Therefore letting
the word of Christ dwell in us is equal to being filled with the Spirit. We want
to think about the last words of Jesus. I)
Luke 23.34 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” A)
Father – Jesus on many occasions addressed God as “Father” 1.
In teaching on prayer He used the word Father 2.
He addressed God as Father in His prayer to allow this cup to pass from Him. 3.
Jesus pointed out the unity He had with the Father in John
17.20-21 4.
Jesus was sent from the Father and He is the Son of God B)
Forgive means to not hold this to their account, to forget 1.
Jesus’ death on the cross was prophesied and it was planned by the enemies of
Jesus. 2.
His death was so man could be forgiven of sin, Romans
4.7-8 3.
We see the same attitude expressed by Stephen as he was being stoned to death in
Acts 7.60. C)
For they do not know what they do 1.
Some times people do things in ignorance. Paul persecuted Christians in
ignorance, 1 Timothy 1.13 a.
Did this mean Paul did not know he was having people thrown into jail? b.
He thought he was doing the will of God. 2.
These people did not truly comprehend that they were killing the Son of God, Acts 3.14-17 3.
Later on Peter addressed many of the same people and told then what they had to
do to be forgiven in Acts 2.38. 4.
Many today do not know what they are doing. If they did they would be obeying
the Gospel and living right before God. II)
Luke 23.39-43 “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in A)
Assuredly – expresses confidence and even boldness 1.
Jesus was bold in proclaiming the will of God; confronting the Jewish leaders,
and facing His death. 2.
Now He expresses boldness in what will happen next. B)
Today 1.
On this day both men will die. 2.
One was sinless and the other was a criminal and worthy of death C)
Paradise – place of comfort 1.
Jesus taught in Luke 16.19ff that two
men, rich man and Lazarus died; one was in torment and the other in Abraham’s
bosom. 2.
This man expressed his faith and acknowledged his sins and Jesus’
righteousness. Isaiah 55.6-7
a. He was a Jew and therefore in a
covenant relationship with God b.
He was talking to the Son of God; Jesus had the ability to forgive sin 3.
This man has been called “The Most Saved Man In The Bible” 4.
This man does not parallel us. a.
A person is not in a covenant relationship with God until they obey the
Gospel of Christ b.
We are not hanging on a cross beside Jesus! 5.
Let us not lose sight of the fact this man was lost in sin but now had hope of
salvation because of Jesus. III)
John 19.25- 26 “Woman, behold your son”…”Behold, your mother” A)
Jesus was taking care of his responsibility to Mary 1.
Jewish law required a child to honor and obey their parents. 2.
Part of that “honoring” would be to provide for their needs. a.
Jesus would not be there to do so b.
Joseph was apparently dead by this time c.
His brothers did not believe Him to be the Son of God d.
Jesus trusted His disciple with His mother, Matthew
12.46-50 B)
John was to take care of Jesus’ mother 1.
Would you have done so? 2.
Would Jesus have trusted you to do so? IV)
Matthew 27.45-46 "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God,
My God, why have You forsaken Me?" A)
See the suffering of Jesus on the cross 1.
Brutality of the crucifixion 2.
Where are His disciples? Only a few remained at this point. B)
Jesus was truly alone C)
God can not be in the presence of sin, 1 John 1 1.
Jesus was bearing the sins of the world therefore God was not with Him 2.
Perhaps the greatest pain Jesus felt was being separated from God. V)
John 19.28 “I thirst” A)
It was almost over and we see the human nature of Jesus 1.
He fed thousands of people, turned water into wine, stopped the waves of the
sea, but He was now thirsty. 2.
He had lost blood, exhausted, in pain, and suffering, Ps.
22. 14-15 B)
Earlier He had turned down a drink because it contained something that would
lessen the pain. VI)
John 19.29-30 “It is finished” A)
Three powerful words “I love you” 1.
Jesus’ life here on earth was finished 2.
Jesus ministry was finished 3.
Jesus’ pain and suffering was finished B)
God’s plan of salvation was finished 1.
The sinless sacrifice was made for our sins 2.
Satan’s power over man was finished. VII)
Luke 23.46 “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” A)
See the readiness of Jesus to be in the tender hands of God 1.
Jesus knew He would be raised and be with the Father 2.
The sorry of the cross was short lived. Death was about to be swallowed up in
victory. B)
One day our lives will be finished and well will be in the hands of God,
Ecclesiastes 12.7. 1.
What awaits us will depend on us. 2.
Jesus died for you and me. Conclusion:
I don’t know the greatest pain each one here has suffered or the greatest joy
you have encountered in this life. But I do know what will be the greatest pain
for the unfaithful, separation from God and eternity in hell. I also know the
greatest joy possible will be in heaven. Where will you spend eternity? |