Have you noticed that the final words of a person's life seem to command a little extra respect no matter how much they talked in life?
The Lord Jesus Christ on His crucifixion said 7 things on the cross before giving up His ghost. These words were not just mere words but they are very essential qualities a Christian must portray in his/her day to day life. Let's find out exactly what Jesus said and what we can learn from them.
1. "Father, forgive them"
Luke 23:34
Jesus kept saying, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they’re doing.” Then they divided his clothes among them by throwing dice.
Jesus was pleading forgiveness on our behalf from His Father as we all have sinned through Adam's race. This declaration is also trying to compel us to forgive one another when we're offended.
Colossians 3:13
Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive.
Christ exemplified forgiveness should be seen in us.
2. "Woman, behold thy son!!"
John 19:26-27
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
How would you feel if you were on the cross as your mother watched? Probably, you would be preoccupied with your own suffering. But here, Jesus becomes more concerned with the suffering of others and establishes a relationship between the disciples and his mother. He makes a provision by directing her care to His disciple.
This is an act of selflessness and love and Christ also expects us to act the same in that regard.
3. "You will be with me in Paradise"
Luke 23:42-43
42 Then he went on to plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”
43 Jesus told him, “I tell you with certainty, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
There were two thieves, on both sides of Jesus. The one on the left never showed remorse of his deeds but the other one repented and confessed and he was saved. Many of us are like the other thief who never admitted to the fact that we're sinners and that we need the Saviour in our lives. Christ hands are not short to save you. We can repent and confess, then believe we have a place with Christ in paradise.
4. "Why have you forsaken me"
Matthew 27:46
About three o’clock, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, eli, lema sabachthani?”, which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
God despises sin so when His son carried the sins of the world and cried out, He couldn't help but allow Him pay the full price. This is to say that Christians must live a life of purity. Purity must be the hallmark of every Christian. So be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48
End of part 1. I hope we've learned something tonight and we'll incorporate them into our lives as we strive for God's kingdom.
I'll come your way with Part 2 tomorrow God willing.
Stay blessed Steemians.
