The Last Words of a Dying Savior

[RETIREDFAN1]

The Last Words of a Dying Savior

 

In December, the world unscripturally celebrates the birth of Jesus. Nowhere in the New Testament are we given a command, an example, or can we logically infer that the birth of our Savior is to be celebrated in any way at all. In fact, December 25 could not have been anywhere near His birth date since there was a census going on to establish taxes. This would not have happened in the winter. 

Luke 2: 1 - 3

 

December 25 could not be his date of birth because shepherds were in the fields at night with their sheep. This would not occur in a winter month. 

Luke 2: 8

 

We in the Lord’s Church do not celebrate the birth of Jesus at all. If we do observe what the world calls “Christmas” we do so in a secular way with no religious observance at all. Those of us in the Lord’s Church, following the apostle’s doctrine as revealed in the New Testament, observe and celebrate the death of our Savior. We do this every first day of every week. 

 

Speaking of His death, there were several profound statements made by Jesus on the cross at the time of His death. We want to take some time today to look at these statements and reflect. 

The gospels record the last words of Jesus before He died on the cross for our sins. As a matter of fact, there were seven sayings He spoke from the cross.

 

First there was the cry of forgiveness.

Luke 23: 34

 

Whenever we read those words, we should understand and know that this prayer was offered for the very people who were abusing and murdering Him. Not only that, but His prayer is offered while the crime against Him is being committed.  This was not an after the fact situation, where people are trying to make amends. He did it right in the middle of their presumptuous rebellion against God.  However, the forgiveness that Jesus prayed for would not come without conditions.  Their forgiveness would not come for another fifty-one days.

Acts 2: 36 - 38

 

Second, there was the cry of salvation.

Luke 23: 43

 

Here we see the famous thief on the cross having a last-minute change of heart in what amounts to a true death bed confession.  In the process of his conversion, he realized the need to fear God. He knew that Jesus was innocent. He knew that Jesus was Lord and that He had a kingdom.

He also knew that Jesus had the power to remember or help him after they had both died. Jesus responded with words of comfort, which would be experienced on that very day.

II Corinthians 5: 8

 

Third was the cry of concern.

John 19: 26 - 27

 

Even in this very difficult time, Jesus showed concern for His mother. While the vast majority of people would have been  focused on themselves, Jesus thought of His earthly family. He wanted to make sure Mary was taken care of after He was gone. To make sure of this, He turned to John,  a man he knew He could trust to do it. We should always remember how He cared for His family and follow His example. 

I Timothy 5: 8 

 

Fourth was the cry of abandonment.

Mark 15: 34

 

Jesus is not asking this for His own benefit, for He knows why He is on the cross.

John 12: 32 - 33

 

Instead, His words are spoken for the benefit of those present. There is no doubt that for anyone who knew the Old Testament, that they would call to mind David’s words in Psalm 22, where a detailed picture of that very day is painted. Like David, Jesus was forsaken in the sense that God was far from helping Him.

Psalm 22: 1

 

He was abandoned to be mocked, scourged, and crucified, with no help from the Father to escape.

Matthew 20: 17 - 19

 

Please note here that if Jesus was separated from God, as some falsely claim, then this prayer was worthless.

Isaiah 59: 2 

 

Fifth was the cry of distress.

John 19: 28

 

Clearly, Jesus is vulnerable, and in real physical distress. The horrors of crucifixion would certainly include extreme thirst. In these words, we see the genuine humanity of Jesus. It is just as wrong to deny His humanity as it is to deny His Deity.

I John 4: 1 - 3

 

Jesus willingly took on humanity and all the vulnerabilities that came with that, for our sakes.

Hebrews 4: 14 - 16

 

He endured a horrific death to demonstrate the horrific realities of sin, and to pay the horrific price of forgiveness.

I Corinthians 6: 20

 

Sixth was the cry of triumph.

John 19: 30

 

He is not just saying that His earthly life that’s finished. This moment was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.

Matthew 5: 17 - 18

 

This was the end of the Old Testament Law.

Colossians 2: 14 - 16

 

This was the end of Satan’s power over death.

Hebrews 2: 14 - 15

 

With the end of those things came the beginning of something new.

Hebrews 9: 15 - 17

 

Finally, there was the cry of reunion.

Luke 23: 46

 

With His mission completed, He entrusted Himself to God.

John 14: 4 - 5

 

Likewise, when our life is over, we can entrust ourselves to God.

II Timothy 4: 6 - 8

 

 

When we consider the extreme difficulties of crucifixion, it is amazing that Jesus could speak at all. Being hung in that awkward position would make it difficult to even breathe, let alone speak.  His dying words, intentionally uttered, are excellent ones for us to contemplate. Taken together, these words demonstrate the unwavering love of God for his wayward creation. May we truly appreciate our Lord and Savior as we celebrate His death every first day of every week.