Today - Good Friday!

Jesus Christ loved us so much he was willing to face His Father's wrath for OUR sin! During the six horror-filled hours that he hung on the cross, he spoke seven times (as recorded in the gospels). Today I thought I would survey these "Seven Sayings of the Cross" to help anyone who stops by today to spend some time reflecting on the cross.

Saying #1 - "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Saying #2 - "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) - spoken to the repentant of two thieves crucified with Jesus.

Saying #3 - "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." (John 19:27) - spoken to Mary, Jesus' mother and the disciple whom he loved (most likely John).

Note the common thread in these three "sayings." In each, the focus of Jesus is on others: those who crucified him, the repentant thief, his mother. Amazing how in the midst of great personal pain and trauma, Jesus is still thinking of others! What a savior!!

Saying #4 - "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Saying #5 - "I am thirsty." (John 19:28)

In these two "sayings," Jesus' pain is very evident. In the first, it is the pain of his soul as he experiences for the first time in all of eternity a "separation" of some sort from the Father. In the latter, it is his physical pain that he references as he cries out "I am thirsty!" The thirst he experienced was far more than what we experience after cutting the lawn on a hot sultry day. His state of dehydration would have been extreme at this point considering the huge volume of blood he had lost. He was willing to go through all this suffering for us undeserving sinners! What a savior!

Saying #6 - "It is finished." (John 19:30)

Saying #7 - "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

In these final two "sayings" we can see that Jesus was in control right up to the very end. It was HE and HE alone who determined when the end had come. And when he knew that the debt of our sin had been paid for, that God's wrath had been satisfied, it was then that He said "It (his mission to give his life a ransom for many) is finished." And with his mission accomplished, he gave up his spirit to the Father and died. What a savior!

On today, this Good Friday, rejoice with me in the One who loved us rebels enough to die for us! Please take a moment to reflect on the following words written over 100 years ago by Philip Bliss:

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name

For the Son of God, who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude

In my place condemned He stood;

Sealed my pardon with His blood.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;

Spotless Lamb of God was He;

“Full atonement!” can it be?

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;

“It is finished!” was His cry;

Now in Heav’n exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,

All His ransomed home to bring,

Then anew His song we’ll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior! "

Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj