Seven Words From The Cross
Jesus spoke seven times while dying upon the cross. He spoke to God, his Father, to Mary his mother, and John the disciple he loved, to the soldiers who crucified him, and to the thief, who believed he would receive a reign - beyond death. Jesus laid down his life to provide a covering for ours – “that he might bring us to God.”-1 Peter 3:18 Remembering his words constrains us to abide in him. Forgetting him, we wither in our self-centeredness – like a branch severed from its vine.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. The shame of sin is everywhere. Pride proceeds to lying and ends in murder. Jesus’ death shows that. Only Jesus had the strength to ask for such forgiveness. Only the power of his Spirit can lead us to ask likewise. Sin still abounds. As we believe Jesus forgives us, we are surprised by his indwelling power to forgive to others.
My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? These words could not have been understood when they were spoken. They speak of an intimate union we have never shared in. Only reflecting upon them uncovers the terrifying separation created by the shame of sin. Those with mouthfuls of ready answers are silenced -- if they ever grasp these words.
Truly I say to you, today, you shall be with me in paradise. These words were spoken in response to the surrendered heart of a thief. Many live their entire lives without seeing their desperate position. That thief saw his and said, “Lord, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Many have never made that self-emptying surrender. Only the pride of life keeps us from his eternal life.
Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother. “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” John 13:1b Even while forsaken because of our shame, Jesus made provision for Mary by John. The disciple who was especially loved, that day took Mary as his own mother, and Mary began to be comforted, as she repeatedly saw the love of her son -- in the face of John.
I thirst. Jesus was thirsty and said so. We are often too proud to admit our needs. While his blood was being poured out in the presence of the proud, he expressed the humility that had characterized his life. The frailty of the flesh cannot be concealed.
Jesus never tried to. We may learn to give up our pride and admit our needs -- from these two words.
It is finished. The life to do the Father’s will was completed and given as a covering for ours. Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, “He shall see the travail of his soul, and be satisfied.”– Isaiah 53:11 We have nothing in our lives that can cover the nakedness of our self-centered self-will. Jesus’ death is the only event in history we can rely on for peace with God.
Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit. At the end of everyone’s life, all illusions of self-sufficiency become breathless. After unparalleled forsakenness, Jesus remained sure of his Father’s embrace. Regardless of our earthly fathers, there is a Father, into whose hands we may entrust our spirits. The death that darkened the sun, was soon to be changed, into the hope of every burial.
He loved us so. “Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” – Hebrews 4:7
11/25/ 04, #43