Jesus last words

Introduction

We have recorded seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. Three things Jesus said while on the cross to help us understand what was happening as Jesus was hanging on the cross and why are we still remembering this event 2000 years on.

I. The agony of the cross

You had the physical agony of the cross. The scourging. The excruciating pain. The struggle for every breath. But there was a greater agony Jesus was experiencing on the cross.

a) My God, My God why have you forsaken me

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

Not only did Jesus experience the physical anguish of the cross but there was also the anguish of being identified with our sins and bearing its penalty. He experienced the wrath of the Father as he bore the punishment for our sins.

Isaiah 53:6 “the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:10 “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;...

Gal 3:13 “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),”

Apply

Jesus endured all the suffering on the cross not for his own sins but for ours.

II. The purpose of the cross

Christ suffered once for sins the just for the unjust so that he might bring us to God.

a) Today you will be with me in paradise

Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””

How can Jesus say to this man dying next to him you will be with me in paradise?

He was a criminal. He hadn’t done any good works. How can he be forgiven just like that? What about God’s justice?

Christ died on the cross so that we may be with him in paradise.

Apply

Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins so that we might be forgiven and be with him in heaven. Now he calls you to turn from your sin and believe in him.

III. The victory of the cross

a) It is finished

John 19:30 “30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Τετέλεσται- Everything was completed. The price was paid.

A greater demonstration was made in his resurrection. Good Friday looks in anticipation to Easter Sunday.

Apply

The price has been paid for all who believe in him. Have you put your trust in Jesus?

Conclusion

These aren’t nice stories we tell our children that we can find interesting but they don’t have any bearing on reality. Rather this event is a historical fact. These things did really happen. God did really send his own Son into the world to save sinners.