THE SEVEN LAST SAYINGS OF THE LORD JESUS WHILST ON THE CROSS

Dear Members in Christ,

The seven last sayings of the Lord Jesus whilst on the Cross

We ought to be meditative and mindful of the events this week which we celebrate in our worship services. The Good Friday service reminds us of the death and the atonement of Christ. We pray that members of Calvary Jaya will take some time to pray and thank God for the great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus who gave Himself in order to redeem us and to purchase our salvation.

This article is a meditation upon the seven sayings of the Lord while He hung on the cross. I pray and hope that these spoken words of the Lord Jesus will bring out the particular virtues of the Lord, and hopefully, it will also help us to desire to be Christ-like in various aspects of our spiritual lives.

May each of these sayings teach us to increase our knowledge and love for our Lord and Saviour. 

1. The compassion and mercy of a suffering Saviour

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34

Even in pain and suffering, the Lord Jesus had nothing but merciful words for His tormentors. Truly when he was reviled, He reviled not again. May we learn and practice the mercy and love of God in our Lord Jesus.

2. The hope of heaven for the dying thief, and an assurance for all sinners

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

The Lord Jesus lovingly receives the dying thief with the promise of paradise. Indeed, no sinner is too vile for God to forgive and cleanse and receive into His bosom. Therefore beloved, let us continue to share the glorious message of salvation with others.

3. The expression of obedience to God’s command to love and honor your parents

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” John 19:26,27

The Lord Jesus exhibited obedience to God’s commandment to honor your parents. His love for His family was not neglected even in His dying hours. His concern for Mary shows us that love and obedience should be foremost in a Christian’s mind.

4. The extreme anguish the Lord Jesus suffered for us

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”   Matthew 27:46

The Lord Jesus, sinless and perfect is beloved of the Heavenly Father. However, prior to His betrayal, the Lord Jesus Christ had said, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” (John 16:32).

Therefore, His cry is not one of desperation. Rather, it is an expression of one suffering extreme physical pain and mental anguish. Truly He has borne our iniquity, and by His stripes we are healed.

5. The humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ and His suffering

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” John 19:28

The humanity of the Lord Jesus is clearly seen in that He experienced thirst. For our sakes, He made Himself of no reputation, took on the human likeness in order to bear suffering for our sakes (Philippians 2:7).  It is such an amazing thought that the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth endured thirst as a man and bore our sins upon Himself.

6. His obedience to God’s will – the atonement work is fully accomplished

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30

Finally, after hours on the cross, the Lord Jesus knew that the work of atonement is about to be completed. After having given Himself as a sacrifice, His atonement work on the cross is accomplished. He will be buried, awaiting the resurrection. Truly the verse in Hebrews 10:12 records, “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” By His death on the cross the Lord Jesus settled the sin debt for all who trust in Him for salvation.

7. The Lord commends His spirit to the Heavenly father   

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” Luke 23:46

In this saying, often called “the word of reunion”, the Lord Jesus expresses what every saint anticipates at their last breath. He had told the disciples earlier, “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.” (John 16:16)

The spirit of the faithful at the end of our earthly lives will return to the Heavenly Father. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 12:7 “… the spirit shall return unto God…”

Our response to the Seven Sayings of the Lord Jesus on the cross

Dearly beloved, let us be encouraged to imitate the virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our God, our Creator and Saviour. Our desire is to live lives exhibiting His mercy and compassion, His self-sacrificing spirit, His obedience to God’s will. Let us be grateful for such a wonderful salvation that has been purchased by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. May His name be praised. Amen.   

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor