Introduction

1) A Word of Forgiveness (Lk. 23:34)

Father forgive them

• the people did not realize the full scope of what they were doing b/c they did not recognize Christ as Messiah.
• While they (and we) do not deserve forgiveness, it shows the fullness of God's grace and compassion.
• Isa. 53:12 he was numbered with the transgressors. Prophecy fulfilled! In Isa. 53 we see at least 10 prophecies fulfilled.

1. despised and rejected of men
2. man of sorrows and acquainted with grief
3. wounded, bruised, chastised
4. led like a sheep to the slaughter
5. dumb before the shearers
6. suffer at the hands of men and bruised by the Lord
7. pour out His soul unto death
8. buried in a rich man's tomb
9. numbered among the transgressors
10. he shall make intercession for the transgressors

2) A Word of Hope / Salvation (Lk. 23:43)

Today you shall be w me in Paradise/

• to one of the violent criminals, God extended the promise of eternity, b/c He had expressed faith in Christ
• there were no sacraments, no righting of wrongs, no confessions, no going back that could be done . . . only the hope of flinging oneself wholly upon the person of Christ.

3) A Word of Compassion / Affection (Jn 19:26-27)

Woman, behold your son

• Even in his anguish, he lovinly cares for His mother, Mary by placing her into John's care.

4) A Word of Abandonment / Anguish (Mt. 27:46)

My God, My God why has Thou forsake Me

• Jesus was abandoned as His Father put the sins of the world upon His shoulders.
• judiciously, God had to turn His back upon His son b/c He cannot look upon sin!
• This is the only moments in all eternity, that the Son would experience separation from the Father.
• This was also a fulfillment of Psa. 22:1

5) A Word of Suffering (Jn 19:28)

I Thirst

• Christ is fulfilling Psa 96:21 by asking for drink.
• It prompts the guards to give him vinegar, which was the custom at crucifixion, thus fulfilling this passage.

6) A Word of Triumph / Victory (Jn 19:30)

It is Finished

• Jesus’ last words meant that His suffering was over and the whole work His Father had given Him to do, which was to preach the Gospel, work miracles, and obtain eternal salvation for His people, was done, accomplished, fulfilled.
• The debt of sin was paid.

7) A Word of Contentment (Lk. 23:46)

Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit

• Jesus is about to die and signals that God has fully accepted His sacrifice by His death
• Heb 9:14 he was the unblemished sacrifice, fully accepted by the Father

Conclusions

* Thoughts:

bringing every thought into obedience in Christ, even when one is emotionally, physically, and spiritually spent.