Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

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The last words someone says before they die are very significant.

Because their life is brought before them they see things from a very sober perspective.

They know that they are leaving their families and friends behind and entering the next world.

All that is dear to them tugs at their hearts at this time.

Such a prospect causes sober thinking.

This is certainly true of the last things that Jesus Christ said as He died on the cross.

The Lord Jesus Christ was crucified at 9:00 am in the morning and hung there until some time after 3:00 pm.

He spoke 7 times whilst He hung there on the cross.

Jesus made 7 profound statements that are still heard today, nearly 2,000 years later.

This morning we will look at these 7 statements from the cross.*

*This morning we will see what was most dear to Jesus Christ when He died.*

*The Lord Jesus made 3 statements during the first 3 hours of the crucifixion.

These 3 statements show  His love for people, for individuals.

*1.

Forgive         *

 

*Luke 23:33-34* / And when they were come to the place, which is called Cal vary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.//

Then said Jesus/*, /Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do./*/

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

/

 

Crucifixion was one of the most agonising and shameful forms of punishment ever devised.

Invented by the Phoenecians originally, and used by the Romans on slaves and criminals of the lowest types.

Mark's gospel says that it was the 3rd hour or 9:00 am in the morning when they  crucified Christ.

Calvary or Golgotha was in public view so that all coming in or out of Jerusalem would see those crucified; And  take warning in case they thought of rebelling.

After Jesus Christ was crucified by the soldiers He made His first cry from the cross.

He prayed asking the Father to forgive those who were responsible for His death.

The reason was that they did not know what they were doing.

This was a different response than usual.

People being crucified usually swore, and cursed those who crucified them, because of their great pain.

But even though Christ was innocent, He prayed for their forgiveness.

He asked that God might be merciful and not judge them.

That they might be given further opportunity for salvation.

Christ had taught forgiveness in *Luke 6:27-28:* /But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.//

/Now He was demonstrating this in a most powerful way.

He demonstrated God's great love for us who made ourselves His enemies.

Remember that Pontius Pilate declared that Jesus Christ was innocent.

He wanted to release Him to them.

Christ did nothing to warrant this punishment.

He was totally sinless.

Pilate told the people that he wanted to have nothing to do with the blood of this righteous man and washed his hands of the matter.

The people said His blood be on us and our children.

Nevertheless they were all guilty of mistreating the Son of God.

Pilate and the Roman soldiers acted wickedly along with the religious leaders and the people.

This is recorded in *Acts 4:25-28.*

/The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

For of a truth against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done.

// /

 

God had predetermined that Jesus Christ should die for the sins of the world.

Christ's prayer was that God would not hold them responsible for His death, but give them opportunity to repent and be saved.

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.

He came to bring forgiveness and this would even be extended to those who crucified Him, */if they would believe.

/*

 

Application