No 25

B) The Trinity (The Last 7 Sayings of Christ)

Even though Christ was dying on the cross, He was still in control. His humanness offered Him little strength but He was able to pronounce seven phrases that cover the whole reason for His being there.

1) “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34. This was a plea for forgiveness of those who tormented Him on that fateful day. Instead of condemning them, He prayed to God on their behalf.

2) “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43. Here was a promise of salvation to one of the convicted criminals who were crucified with Jesus. This incident is one of the greatest illustrations of justification by faith. This man had done nothing to merit salvation and had not made amends for the crimes he had committed.

3) “…He saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!“ John 19:26,27. Jesus’ loved ones must have felt much pain that day but not more than His earthly mother. The use of the word “woman” does not express disrespect but does call attention to the fact that Jesus was more than a Son to Mary, He was her Saviour.

4) “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46. It might seem at first glance that Jesus is reciting verse 1 of Psalm 22 but since Psalm 22 is an extended prophecy about the crucifixion, it might be better to see the psalm as a prophecy of Jesus’ heart cry to His Father. Some may say that it is unthinkable that God would abandon His Son in His most difficult human experience. But let’s not forget what Jesus was doing here – He was paying the price of the sins of all believers just as if He had committed them Himself. God was punishing His own Son in our place. The Bible is very explicit about this “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” 2 Corinthians 5:21

5) “I thirst” John 19:28. This was a final plea for physical relief and what did He get? “…they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth” John 19:29. Thus fulfilled a prophecy in Psalm 69:21.

6) “It is finished” John 19:30 Here was a victory cry only Jesus could proclaim which is why nothing can be added to the work of Christ for salvation. No rituals, no human works, no contribution on the part of the sinner can add anything to this “lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:9

7) “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” Luke 23:46 Christ died as no other man had ever died. On one hand, He was betrayed and murdered. In another sense, His Father sent Him there to atone for our sins. And still yet in another way, He willingly gave His life so that we may have life.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31