STATEMENTS FROM THE CROSS

There are seven statements made by Christ on the cross, that depict the greatest love story of all time. 

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”) (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

This is the cry of the ages and is interpreted different ways. For the first time and only time in scripture, you see Jesus separated from the Father. The sinless Son of God, became sin for us, bearing the weight of our transgressions. 

Some people say that God abandoned Jesus, because Jesus became sin. He took up the sins of the world, and in Heaven there is no sin. 

However, another interpretation is that Jesus is saying: “My God, My God, now I see why you left me here – to accomplish your purpose. You did not forsake me, but you left me here todo your will.” 

“He came into this life to do the will of his Father, and not his own will” (John 5:19)

Nevertheless, in this moment, Jesus is quoting Psalm 22. Christ is acknowledging the holiness of God. He experiences loneliness and separation from the Father as He bears our sins. The mystery lies in God’s immense love, allowing His Son to suffer for us. 

“I thirst.” (John 19:28)

This is a fulfillment of Psalm 69:20-21.  Here Jesus expresses a physical thirst, but he was also in torment and agony. Yet, when offered wine mixed with gall, He refused it. Christ wanted to experience the full pain and did not want anything to camouflage his full relinquishment to the pain. His suffering was intentional and conscious, taking on our pain for our redemption.

Not only was he physically thirsty, he also thirsted for the souls of people. Today, he still thirst for the souls of this nation and this world. He is the forever God who thirst for our souls and our salvation. 

“Father forgive them. They don’t know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Here Jesus, the Son of Man – hanging on the Cross is asking God to forgive the ones who put him there. Despite the cruelty inflicted upon Him, Jesus looks upon the people with compassion. He willingly endures the cross because of His love for humanity. His sacrifice bridges the gap caused by our rebellion against God. 

If on the cross Jesus can forgive those who put him there, why do we hold grudges? If Christ can do that, then we as the body of Christ, need to be able to forgive our friends, our co-workers and those around us.  

“You will be with Me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:43)

If you remember the story, there was one thief that mocked Jesus. He said in paraphrasing – if you are the son of God, then take us down. The other thief said, “remember me when you come into your kingdom“. 

Jesus addressed the repentant thief that was crucified alongside Him. Even though he did not have time to join a synagogue, or go to the river to be baptized, but because of his faith – he was right with God. To the other thief Jesus said nothing. He did not mock him or criticize him – he said nothing. But to the other Jesus promised immediate paradise. His grace extends even to the dying, granting forgiveness and eternal hope. 

“Woman, behold your son! Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

Woman was a term of respect. Jesus was essentially saying, “Ma’am, behold you son John, I’m not your son on earth anymore. I am Jesus, the Son of God.”

The second part of that was an instruction to John, that he take care of Mary. He was assuring them that they would love each other, even after He was gone. 

Even in His agony, He ensures her well-being, emphasizing the importance of relationships and compassion. 

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

With these words, Jesus declares the completion of His mission – it is complete. He is saying, “I did what I came to do, the salvation of the world has now been given by my death on the cross”. The debt of sin is paid in full. His sacrifice opens the way to reconciliation with God, offering hope and eternal life. 

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Jesus Christ was going home. He knew the best was yet to be. I love the word “home” – it conjures good memories for just about all of us. I am like the Apostle Paul in Philippians when he says, “I long to depart and be with Christ”. Jesus was ready to go home, his mission was complete, there was nothing more for him to do. As the song says, “I am going home with Jesus”.  

Conclusion 

In these statements three of them were addressed to The Father. The other four  he was showing concern to people. He was concerned for the thief on the cross, concerned for his mother and good disciple John, he was concerned for the forgiveness of those who crucified him and a concern for the souls of people. 

These seven statements in totality and individually, reveal Jesus’ love, compassion, and purpose. In closing, ask yourself these seven question:

Are you a person of forgiveness

Do you realize that your assurance of salvation is through Jesus on the cross?

Do you allow God to be seen through you, that you are doing His purpose?

Are you not abandoned, but left here for the purpose of honoring Ang glorifying God?

Do you thirst for the souls of people?

When it is all over, are  you able to say, “I done my best, it is finished“

Can you say, “Father I’m going home, because I’m right with you.”?

Today, as we recognize the events of Good Friday, we are reminded of His ultimate sacrifice—a bridge from brokenness to redemption, leading to the hope of Resurrection Sunday —a resurrection that conquers death and offers eternal life.