TweetIt is Good Friday. Let’s consider Jesus’ words on the cross today.
First, let’s consider Jesus’ words to his mother and John. John 19:26, “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” Jesus is dying on a cross in excruciating pain, and he is concerned for his Mother, and for John (his youngest disciple). He links the two together in love.
Second, Jesus offers forgiveness to his killers. Luke 23:33-34, “And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” Jesus came to die for our sins. 1 John 2:1-2, John was encouraging us not to sin, but he said, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. His blood is sufficient to cover, atone, for all sin. The gift of salvation and forgiveness and reconciliation to God is available to all. But, it must be received through repentance and faith. We must admit we are sinners, and we must turn to Christ in faith for forgiveness. Jesus even offered this marvelous grace and forgiveness to those who nailed him to the tree.
Third, Jesus has a conversation with a thief, and offers him eternal life. Matthew and Mark indicate that the two thieves that were crucified to Jesus’ left and right were also involved in the mocking of Jesus. But, someplace along the way, one of the men had a change of heart. He became convinced that Jesus really was the Son of God. Perhaps it was when he saw Jesus caring for his mother and John. Perhaps it was when he heard Jesus offer forgiveness to his abusers. Perhaps it was the love he saw on Jesus’ face, even through the agony. Whatever it was, he realized this one he had mocked was the gateway to paradise, and he humbled himself before Jesus. Luke 23:39-43 – indicates that the other criminal continued to mock Jesus. But, this one who was enlightened rebuked him. “And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” Salvation offered. Salvation received. That was the very reason he had come to this cross.
Fourth, at some point in that excruciating crucifixion Jesus was abandoned by the Father. This is the darkest moment of the cross. How could this be? It was because of the great exchange. On the cross a transaction took place. Jesus perfect, sinless soul absorbed our sin, so that we could be declared righteous before God. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” His soul was so saturated with our sin, that the Father could no longer bare the sight, and Jesus felt abandoned. So, he cried out in despair: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mattthew 27:46) He took our sin, and our separation from God, so we could be forgiven, and restored to relationship with God. What a Savior!
Fifth, Jesus asked for a drink. There was a wine mixture there that was a number. He had refused it the whole time. But, now he asks for a drink, and this time, only to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus wanted to obey His Father to the very smallest details. John 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’
Sixth, Jesus completed what he had set out to do. John 19:30, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” With a loud cry, he shouted the word, “Tetelestai.” It is the Greek word. It was sometimes used to complete a transaction. It showed that your bill was paid in full. Your debt was paid. Your transaction was completed. Jesus had finished what his Father sent him to do. He had paid the debt of our sin in full. He had paved the way for you and I to come home to the Father. It is finished! The job is done. Your sin is paid for in full!
Seventh, Jesus yielded his spirit to the Father. Luke 23:46, “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” Trusting himself to His ever loving, ever trustworthy Father, Jesus yielded his human life for us. Death came. But, thank God, death did not hold the final word! It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!
Yes, Sunday’s a-comin’!!! Having grown up in a cult that forbade any observance of Holy Week, I always reflect more on the events of that week than most folks would. Remembering how much Jesus loves us and He completely paid the price and the cost involved is so much more than anything we could BEGIN to comprehend. Cults like the one I grew up in would forbid their members from observing Christian holidays for one reason…to keep their followers’ eyes OFF Jesus and on the organization they follow. But thanks be to God, I know many former cult members including myself who have been redeemed from false religion and have come to know God’s perfect plan for us, His Son. Have a blessed Easter, Rob!!!!
Hi Ray,
And you have yourself a marvelous Easter, too! As Paul says in 1 Cor 15 – if Jesus didn’t die and rise, we are still dead in our sins. And we are to be more pitied than all people! But, Jesus rose! He conquered sin, Satan and the grave! And we have eternal hope together! Blessings, friend,
Rob
Hallelujah!! What a savior!! Oh how He loves us! May that revelation open up hearts to experience His love in deeper ways. And may the words “It is finished” resonate in hearts to experience the freedom that is in Christ.
Amen! Jim! I’ll see you tonight, friend. May this Good Friday continue to fill you with joy over our Savior’s love!
Rob
the reason is for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who died on this day and rose on the third day (Easter)
Thank you Rob for todays post.
You’re welcome, Kara. Blessings to you.
Rob
The best line–Sundays coming!!!! I love this!!!!!
Amen! And He Has Risen, friend!
Rob
Thank you for this concise reminder of the amazing actions of Jesus. Today, these actions motivate me to look past my present situation, to remember the blessings I do have, and to desire more of his presence and character in my life.
Simply put, woot, woot Jesus~
Blessings to you, Jen and your kids!
Thanks, Jamie, and blessings to you. I, too, look to our incredible blessings in Christ, and rejoice – even when life is hard, God is good . . . All the time.
Rob
I recently moved-into a new town-and a new neighborhood- Anyway as i was taking a walk- and just praying- I ran into-a new friend- We started well /i did started talking about God-He asked me how to he could come to christ -and being who i am i asked him why -he shared this story-He said that he grew up in a fatherless home- and never knew the bonding that came along with it- I started shaking abit because i knew that pain -anyway .He started telling me he believed God was with him the other day-And what i have learned from Rob i put into practice and just let him talk -Friday Morning he was delivering some food items to someone who needed assistance So he loaded his pickup truck and made the delivery- anyway after he made the delivery -and the many thank you’s from the person in need- he was walking back to close the tailgate of his truck he got about halfway there -when the person opened her door-and yelled wait i have something to give you he kind of sighed a little but went back – now heres the kicker -what she handed him was a cross- someone had made for her the week before out of palm leaves at the local church- Anyway just as he took it from her and looked at it-A drunk driver smashed directly into the back of his truck- he would have been standing there if he didn,t go back-all i could say is god is closer than you know So we prayed the repentence prayer and we both went on our ways-I just thought i would share this with my S.S.C.C. Family – to let you all know that taking a risk is worth it. Thanks Rob
Dear Ray,
Thank you for the time and, I pray, the labor of love you expended on your recent reply to Lisa and me. I’d like to comment on the most important points you expressed.
First I think you’re making an assumption that those of us who have recieved the BOS don’t read scripture. I read, study and meditate on scripture mostly on a daily basis. In fact, when I recieved the BOS I tested it with scripture for months afterwards. I simply do not agree with your interpertation on a number of levels. The main two being there is only one filling of the Spirit and the BOS is no longer bestowed by Christ. You ask where in scripture does it say “listen for God’s voice”, I ask where in scripture does it say the BOS is passe?
In Acts 19 Paul arrived in Ephesus where he found some DISCIPLES and asked them , “Did you recieve the Holy Spirit when you believed?” and they answered that they hadn’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. John told the people to believe in Christ. On hearing this they were baptized into the name of Jesus. Wouldn’t they have been filled with the Spirit at that moment but when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Is this not the BOS?
In Ephesians 1:15-21 Paul says,” I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, SO THAT YOU MAY KNOW HIM BETTER. I pray also the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance of the saints, and his incomparably GREAT POWER for us who believe. That POWER is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion and every title that can be given, NOT ONLY IN THE PRESENT AGE BUT ALSO IN THE ONE TO COME. But when all is said and done, Ray, I am as sure I recieved Christ’s blessing of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as deeply as I believe Christ was crucified, died, was resurrected and sits at the right hand of our God no matter how often others wish to parse scripture to prove a negative. Let’s agree to disagree and consider ourselves Brothers in Christ.
With My Love,
Bo
Ok Bo I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but your answer makes no sense. Please re-read what I wrote and respond again and here is why
I wrote the following which clearly states the Baptism of the Spirit happens to everyone once at the time of salvation and the filling of the spirit happens over and over and I gave you lots of verses to show it.
Please see below I wrote
THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT HAPPENS TO EACH OF US AT THE TIME OF SALVATION ONCE. If it was supposed to happen to us exactly like it happened that very first time (if we were to wait) then we would need to be in Jerusalem and we would need the sound of the wind and tongues of fire. We all have the BOS so we know we have unity with our brothers and sisters. THE FILLING WITH THE SPIRIT HAPPENS OVER AND OVER AS WE YIELD TO GOD and turn from our sin and God gives us a list so we will know what the FWS looks like. Also do you think being filled with the Spirit might also have something to do with the fruits of the spirit? Just wondering but it would seem to eh?
You then responded by saying
I simply do not agree with your interpertation on a number of levels. THE MAIN TWO BEING THERE IS ONLY ONE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT AND THE BOS IS NO LONGER BESTOWED BY CHRIST.
Bo what’s the scoop? You stated my position exactly opposite of what I said and since you said you did not agree with me and you had my position backwards that must then mean we agree right? How cool is that?
Please advise
Thanks
Ray