#1: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." (Lk 23:34) Jesus often taught about the importance of forgiveness. Now he was living it out. It's a lot easier to talk about forgiveness than to offer it to others--that's why we need God's help. I'm a firm believer that we really can't forgive others until we receive forgiveness from God. It's certainly more blessed to give than to receive, but we have to receive before we have anything to give. this principle of forgiveness works in marriage, among friends, and with your enemies. Only as we receive a large dose of forgiveness form our Father in heaven are we equipped to forgive ourselves and others who harm us.
#2: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Lk 23:43) I love the simplicity of the gospel. Over the centuries both friend and foe of the gospel have tried to complicate the message and turn it into to tradition, ritual, or some complicated religious observance. In the last moments of Jesus' earthly life, he confirmed the simplicity of his message, offering hope to the criminal who turned to him. How complicated is your Christianity? the Christianity which Jesus launched was so simple that even a criminal hanging on a cross could receive the promise of paradise.
#3: "Dear woman, here is your son . . . . Here is your mother." (John 19:25-27) Love is a centerpiece of life and the Christian message. Too often we speak of love in emotional, spiritual, or intangible ways. For Jesus, love was practical and tangible. Love was taking care of your practical responsibilities. sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do in life is just taking care of your responsibilities by loving those around you.
#4: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34) a part of any spiritual journey is spiritual suffering. Spiritual growth doesn't occur without sacrifice. Jesus' sacrifice took him face to face with the cup of God's wrath fro the sins of the world. JEsus was forsaken and he felt the spiritual pain of abandonment.
#5: "I am thirsty" (John 19:28) Spiritual suffering eventually shows up in the realm of physical suffering. We are not spirit alone. We are "dirt and divinity" all mixed up together. that's why Jesus said to his disciples, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." It's the same reason today that you feel a desire to pray or grow spiritually, but you still have a battle ahead. the spirit says go and the flesh says no!
#6: "It is finished" (John 19:30) Jesus' end was just the beginning. The obedience of the cross would give way to the victory of the resurrection. What needs to come to an end in your life so that God can work a victory? Jesus had accomplished the Father's will by enduring the cross. Now, he awaited his ultimate victory in the resurrection.
#7: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) What helped Jesus get through the shame and pain of the cross? He trusted the Father. Jesus lived out Job's cry, "though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." (Job 13:15) Are you entirely committed to Christ Jesus? Or have you only trusted him for the good things in life? The essence of the Christian journey is your willingness to fully trust God, just as Jesus trusted his Father.
The last seven saying of Jesus not only summarize his gospel, but they reveal to us that Jesus was willing to practice what he preached. In life and death Jesus was committed to forgiveness, love, sacrifice, obedience, victory, and complete trust in God. If I can commit myself to these truths I know my life will be better for it. See you Sunday. Tom Ragsdell
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