Seven statements from the Cross

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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