AM Scripture Reading: Matthew 27.27-37

Brent T. Willey

From The Cross

Introduction:

1. “Telling the story of Jesus” should never get old!

2. Let’s revisit the scene of Calvary and examine the seven utterances of Jesus From The Cross…

I. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23.34)

1. Cicero reported the blasphemies of crucified criminals.
2. But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them…” Forgive whom?

II. “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise”(Luke 23.43)

1. What had the thief asked? (v. 42)
2. Who can forgive sins, but God? (Mark 2.9-10)

III. “Woman, behold your Son!”…“Behold your mother!” (John 19.26-27)

1. Jesus was filled with tender regard for His mother.
2. He taught us how to truly “honor” our parents. (Matt. 15.4)

IV. “My God, My God, why have You forsakenMe?”(Matt. 27.46)

1. From the 6^th hour to the 9^th hour there was darkness.
2. Perhaps this symbolizes His true sacrifice. (2 Cor. 5.21)

V. “I thirst” (John 19.28)

1. Did He really thirst? (E.g., Job 38.8; Exod. 17.6; John 4.14; cf., Psa. 69.21)
2. We should thirst for Christ’s righteousness. (Matt. 5.6)

VI. “It is finished” (John 19.30)

7. What was finished?
8. Have you “finished the race” (2 Tim. 4.7)?

VII. “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit” (Luke 23.46).

1. “Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit” (Matt. 27.50).
2. “All the Synoptics indicate the death of Christ was not the exhaustion of crucifixion, but a voluntary surrender of His life” (The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Matt. 27:45-50).

Conclusion: Do you find the final words of Jesus convicting?