Daily Thoughts: Luke 23

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Jesus’ – Final Words from the Cross

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“It is finished” – John 19:30
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” – Luke 23:46

A few weeks back I wrote of John 19:30 – The Ultimate Purpose. You can find that Daily Thought here. Once he had completed his purpose on this earth, to be the shepherd of mankind, to lead them to His Father; he was ready to accept death. Hanging on the cross for over 6 hours now, the flesh of his beaten body gives way to the rise of His soul. He had taken on the sins of mankind and the sacrifice was now complete.

Christ’s final words from the cross reflect the redemptive action that was required of the sacrifice. In this statement, Jesus calls out to God as “Father” and rightfully claims the transition from humanity back to his place at God’s side. In Jewish custom, the Passover required that the spotless perfect lamb be sacrificed and handed over to the priest for the payment, the redemption of the sins of a family for that year. Along these lines, Jesus hands over his spirit, that of the spotless perfect lamb of God, to his Father in heaven as the final payment for the sins of mankind. His flesh was beaten, bruised and disfigured, yet his soul was pure, blameless and sufficient for the redemption of All mankind. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 : “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

In his final words, Jesus connects himself with King David statement in Psalm 31:5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.” His truths are throughout the bible, not just the New Testament. With this statement he fulfilled the prophecy from Isaiah 53:10: “..when you shall make his soul an offering for sin..” He was there at the beginning, at the creation of the world, with God in all of His splendor. His words are upon the lips of the prophets and the saints throughout the Old Testament, and upon the disciples and apostles throughout the New Testament.

At the completion of his final words from the cross the earth shook, Satan laughed victoriously and the Savior’s body fell limp on the cross. I envision that his declarations of defeating Jesus Christ, the Messiah, rang through the halls of hades. He would soon realize that the grave could not hold this Son of God though. His flesh had died, but His soul had fulfilled God’s perfect plan for redemption. At the last breath of Christ, the curtain (veil) that hung in the temple separating the Holy of Holies from all mankind was ripped from the top to the bottom. God removed the separation that had been created between Himself and mankind, and brought forth the New Covenant with mankind. The Blood Covenant of Jesus Christ, that whosoever shall believe in Him as Savior and Lord will receive eternal life. As Jesus breathed His last on the cross, the grace of the Lord took over forever more. We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and the faith of His testimony. Thank you Jesus for suffering and dying so that we might have life and life abundantly.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Jesus – Words from the Cross #2

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“Today, you shall be with me in paradise” – Luke 23:43

Jesus’ first words from the cross were to ask His Father in heaven to forgive mankind. His second words from the cross were directed toward an unrighteous, sinful man hanging on a cross next to him on Golgotha. We don’t know what this man’s history was, other than he was a thief, or do we?

Remember there were two thieves hanging on crosses that day, one on each side of Jesus. In Matthew 27:44, we see where they were both reviling Jesus and pouring out insults on Him. Yet, one of these men comes to a point where the reality of death begins to set in and he realizes the redemption he needs to enter into heaven. His words to Jesus, captured in Luke 23:42, appeal to Jesus as “Lord”. Followed by his request – “remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” These are the words of someone who recognized the Son of God for who He was and recognized His purpose for coming to the world. His repentance seems authentic as he rebukes the other thief hanging on the other cross that day, “Dost thou not fear God.”

Somewhere in his past, this repentant thief had heard of the Messiah, the Saving One. Perhaps he had heard him speaking in Synagogue, or perhaps he was in the temple the week before when Jesus threw out the merchants. Perhaps, he was at the city gate singing “Hosanna, hosanna – blessed is the King, who comes in the name of the Lord.” the previous weekend. Perhaps, he was in the fortress watching them brutally beat and scourge this man, wondering why they hadn’t beaten himself that same way. There was definitely something in his past that made a connection with Jesus, the Messiah.

Each of us have a past that is riddled with unrighteousness, sin and choices that have not been in line with God’s plan for our life. Just like the thief on the cross though, we are given the opportunity for repentance, redemption and salvation from the only one who is worthy to give grace – Jesus Christ. At the point of death, this thief knew who Jesus was and realized that his own eternal destiny was at the word of this man. Jesus had forgiven the sins of others before taking up His cross. The leper, the man with palsy lowered down through the roof, the woman with the constant flow and the woman at the well; just to name a few. Here, in His final hour, His compassion for saving the lost souls of this world was once again demonstrated.

With His death and resurrection, His blood has become the atonement for our sins. We are all given the opportunity, just like the thief on the cross, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our soul in life and death. His grace is sufficient for the redemption of our souls and the washing of our spirit. It is only by His blood that we can be saved, not by works, material possessions or by might. As we lead up to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, you should be thinking about your own walk with Jesus Christ in your life. Is He your Lord, and will you be in paradise with Him one day?