More Things JESUS Said: Words From the Cross

Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday are the holiest days on the Christian calendar, and known to most Christians as Passion Week. The events of this week brought JESUS’ mission on earth to an end, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and scriptures (Isaiah 53.)

Day six, Good Friday, could hardly be called “good” since it was the most difficult of JESUS’ entire ministry. On that single day, JESUS was subjected to betrayal, endured multiple unlawful trials, false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, the most inhumane tortures, and abandonment by His closest supporters. 

Finally, the end, death by crucifixion. A shameful form of execution reserved for the vilest of felons. Through it all, JESUS said very little, and not one word in His own defense.

But from the cross, JESUS spoke, making seven recorded statements. While each have great significance for Christianity, two in particular leave no doubt about JESUS’ unconditional and divine love for mankind.

Based on Bible accounts, these would be the first and sixth statements, in order:

“Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

“It is finished.” John 19:30

How does one forgive such injustices as JESUS endured?

Theology professor Justin Holcomb explains it this way in an article published in Christianity.com: “The wrath of GOD against sin had to be poured out on JESUS, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations…. the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in GOD’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage….”

Rather than focusing on His most agonizing human suffering, JESUS was looking beyond to the mission that His Father had given Him to carry out, on behalf of mankind. (Isaiah 53.)

The Jewish leaders who lied and deceived to have Him crucified, the Roman soldiers who humiliated and spat on Him, the criminals and gawkers who jeered and mocked Him – none understood that their actions would fulfill GOD’s plan and the scriptures.

   

When JESUS prayed to GOD the Father to forgive His enemies, He knew that a judgement day would come when every person who acted against Him that day would recognize the extent of what they had done, and to whom, and repent for their sin. Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 2:8-11. And some did come to repentance that very day:

• A Roman soldiers who witnessed the unique circumstances of JESUS’ death Mark 15:37-39;  
• One of two thieves crucified with JESUS and was promised a place in paradise Luke 23:39-43;
• Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin sect, publicly takes JESUS’ side John 19:38-40

Less than a month thereafter, some 3,000 who had witnessed and taken part in the events of Good Friday were saved in one day. So began the church as we know it. Acts 2:36-42

The forgiveness JESUS prayed for on the cross is for all people who would come to believe in Him – past, present and future. All our sins are forgiven, those we commit in ignorance and those that are deliberate – past, present, and future.

JESUS completed His mission; He paid the penalty for all when He give his life as a ransom.” (Matthew 20:28). So, as death approached, He was able to utter with confidence His next to final words,

“It is finished.”

With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our FATHER in Heaven, may we never cease to be grateful to YOU for the events of that first Good Friday. With awe and reverence we acknowledge CHRIST JESUS as SAVIOR and LORD, REDEEMER and KING. Father, may JESUS’ prayers on the cross on our behalf echo in the hearts and minds of our future generations Teach us to bear all things with patience and perseverance and focus only on the reasons why the events of Good Friday are “good” – for our joy and YOUR glory. To YOU belong all dominion, all power and all glory, for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the matchless Name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile