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During
Jesus' time on the cross, the Bible records seven statements which He made.
Each gives us a look into the heart of God.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
(Luke 23:34) God's eager desire is to forgive. That's why Jesus died!
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:43) Spoken to one of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus,
in response to his request to enter heaven. Can you imagine? A man who is
being executed has the nerve to ask for forgiveness, to ask for entrance to
heaven?! Surprising, to say the least. But Jesus' answer is even more
surprising - "today you will be with me in paradise!" In short,
Jesus says, "Yes!" Your God wants EVERYONE in heaven. That is why
he has forgiven everyone, no matter how badly they've sinned, no matter what
they've done. It's never too late.
"Dear woman, here is your son, ... Here is your mother." (John
19:26-27) Because Jesus is God he would continue to be with his mother in a
supernatural way, but it wouldn't be the same way it had been. So, he gave
one of his disciples - John - responsibility for her, to care for her as if
she were his own mother. Your God cares for you; not only in regards to
spiritual, eternal matters, but also in regards to the things of this world.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) Darkness
covered the world as Jesus said this. While on the cross Jesus was suffering
the full punishment for sin, which meant that He had to suffer the pains of
hell. Indeed God the Father turned His back on God the Son - punished Him
fully for all sins. Because Jesus suffered the pains of hell, you and I never
need to.
"I am thirsty." (John 19:28) Through all of this, Jesus remained
not only true God, but also truly human. So, he understands every aspect of
our lives, even down to the little details, like being thirsty.
"It is finished." (John 19:30) The Greek word was used by
shopkeepers - they would write it onto an invoice when it was paid in full.
So, what "bill" has been "paid?" The bill, the invoice,
for your sins, my sins, the sins of the entire world. Jesus paid it - in
FULL! Not one sin remains left to be paid. Jesus paid it all. When Jesus died
on the cross he secured the forgiveness of sins for us. But what made that
sacrifice so valuable? Jesus had lived his life perfectly. He had fully
obeyed everything God, his father, had wanted us to obey. Jesus lived under
the laws of God perfectly for us!
"Father, into your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23:46) Jesus
died in confidence - the sins of the world had been paid in full; he could
simply entrust himself into the hands of the Father. His perfect fulfillment
of the law makes us righteous; his innocent death on the cross assures us of
the forgiveness of our sins. Because Jesus paid the price for our sins, when
our last day comes, you and I will also be able to close our eyes in
confidence.
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