The Cross – Jesus’ Seven Last Words!
A 7-part stand-alone sermons – In her book, “Contemplating the Cross”, Tricia McCary Rhodes makes this statement: “Our sanctuaries display a cleansed version of the cross – no blood, no struggle, no filth of sin – solely monuments to the resurrection power” (p. 116). She further suggests, that perhaps in our joy to celebrate Easter Sunday, we don’t spend enough time fully contemplating the significance of Good Friday and the intense suffering that Christ endured for us on that bloody cross. To help us address this issue, this series will explore the suffering that Jesus endured, and the significance of the seven last words or phrases that He spoke while on that cross.
Note: These sermons are applicable for Good Friday; or, during Lent, in the weeks leading up to Passion Week.
Warning: In some of the sermons the description of what Christ endured, prior to, and on the Cross, is described in graphic detail, based on research.
(Note – Jesus’ sixth words: “It is Finished”, is also used as a part of the Apologetics Series – “Questions that Deserve an Answer” – under the title, “The Cross: Tragedy or Triumph”.)
Jesus’ First Words: “Father, Forgive Them…” (Luke 23:26-34a) – Jesus was able to speak these words in spite of everything he suffered that day. That kind of forgiveness demonstrates the immensity of God’s love & compassion, which should humble and amaze us. The sermon concludes with this question: Am I willing to forgive others in the same way Christ has forgiven me?
Jesus’ Second Words: “Today You will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:34b-43) – As we consider the words of hope that Jesus spoke to one of the criminals hanging on a cross beside Him, we want to also consider the emotional pain He endured; and then learn three wonderful truths: humanity’s sinful nature verses the incredible power of God to forgive; God’s ability to demonstrate His power even when things appear to be bleak; and that you and I matter to God.
Jesus’ Third Words: “Dear Woman – Here is Your Son…” (John 19:25-27) – In this sermonette – in the statement that Jesus spoke on the cross to His mother, and to his disciple John, we catch a glimpse of His compassion, His love and His care. At the close of this sermonette the church family will be encouraged to live with that same kind of compassion toward others.
Jesus’ Fourth Words: “My God… Why have You Forsaken Me?” (Luke 23:44-45; Mark 15:34-35; Psalm 22:1-2 & 12-18) – Located in Jesus’ mournful fourth words on the cross, is hope for you and I. In unlocking the meaning behind these words, we want to more clearly see the hope we find in them, not only for today, but also for eternity.
Jesus’ Fifth Words: “I am Thirsty”! (John 19:28-29) – In these words we see first hand that Jesus was not only fully God while on earth, but also fully human. We see the depth of His love as he chose to humble Himself in order to die for our sins. This in turn should cause believers to draw intimately closer to Him. And for those who are still searching, it will provide hope that there is a personal God who loves them deeply and desires to have a personal relationship with them.
Jesus’ Sixth Words: “It is Finished”! (John 19:28-30a) – Jesus’ sixth words were actually a shout – a cry of triumph, not tragedy – a cry of victory, not defeat. As such we will consider the kind of triumph and victory that it was, and then leave both those who are searching and those who are already believers with some challenging thoughts to consider.
(Note: This sermon is also a part of the Apologetics Series – Questions that Deserve an Answer, under the title: The Cross – Tragedy or Triumph!)
Jesus’ Seventh Words: “Father, into your Hands I Commit my Spirit”! (Luke 23:46) – In speaking these last words, Jesus declared “Father, take me home, I entrust my care to you. Take me home, I’ve completed the task I was sent to complete”. Searchers after truth, those as yet not convinced that Jesus is the Saviour of the world, will be encouraged to entrust their eternal life in God’s hands through Jesus Christ. Believers will be encouraged to once again entrust to God, areas that they might have taken back.