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Jesus’ First Three Words From the Cross

Luke 23:32-34

We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Today and next week we are going to look closely at those statements Jesus made from the Cross. It is impossible to know the torture of the Cross without experiencing it, but we can imagine by the sheer cruelty, and process of it, that it was horrifying to say the least. We cannot forget that Christ not only suffered all the torment of crucifixion itself, He also suffered all the wrath of God for all the sin of all the human race.

Notice first, His Prayer of Mediation. The remarkable truth of this prayer is not just that Jesus prayed for His enemies; but that He prayed for them while they were crucifying them. In the moments of your worst agony, does your heart retreat to God in prayer? How much suffering does it take to silence prayer in your heart? His prayer of mediation was a prayer of intercession. From the Cross to the Throne Jesus has never changed His prayer for the redemption of all people! Jesus’ intercessory prayer was a prayer of grace. Grace is God giving us something we don’t deserve. None of us deserves a second chance, or God’s blessing, or His salvation; but He freely gives those things to us. His prayer was a prayer of careful thoughtfulness. Jesus did not arbitrarily speak random, meaningless words. He looked deep into the souls of His enemies to find some point of need; then He prayed forgive them “for they do not know what they are doing.” He was doing what He taught us to do in praying for our enemies. It is necessary to note that Jesus prayer was also a prayer of earnestness. That should not surprise us, because Jesus told us to pray earnestly that God would send laborers for the harvest. Jesus prayed for your salvation with all the earnestness of God Himself! Here is a truth you should ponder; God is more concerned about your salvation than you are! How do I know that? First – He prayed for your forgiveness while He was being crucified! Second – He hung on the Cross, he stayed there, for you while God poured out on Him all the punishment you deserve for your sin!

Jesus not only prays a prayer of mediation while on the cross, we must also notice: His Promise of Salvation in Luke 23:42, 43. Here is a first truth of salvation: it is available to everyone! Jesus will never refuse to associate with anyone regardless of their social status, or any other status for that matter! We believe the Bible clearly teaches Jesus extends a universal invitation to all people to be saved. Notice also salvation was available immediately! This sinner was a man who just discovered/realized Who Jesus was! The only thing this man could ever do after His salvation was die! The thief did not hear Jesus tell His disciples “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through me;” but he realized it, and asked Jesus to remember him that very day.

Finally, notice Christ’s: Provision in Adoration in John 19:25-27.The dying Savior teaches us, even in His own utter despair, comply with the Scriptures. We see Him look beyond His own situation and obey the 5th commandment by honoring His mother. Our response to The Lord’s provision in adoration is also revealed in our lives in the way we follow His instructions to care for His sheep. On this Palm Sunday as we look toward resurrection day next Sunday, it would not be out of place for us to focus on Christ’s prayer of mediation for us, as we think of His promise of salvation for all of us, and the provision He has made in His adoration for us.

If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.

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