REFLECTIONS ON THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST AND HIS LAST WORDS WHILE HANGING ON THE CROSS

Jesus’ words are priceless, it is worth more than any earthly treasure we can think or even imagine. For it is Truth and Incorruptible it lasts and is relevant throughout all generations. Therefore, His last seven statements on the cross speak volumes of who He is. What He did and what He will do for humanity. 

FIRST STATEMENT – Father Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do. (Luke 23:34)

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John recorded in 37 verses the statements of Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane when betrayed by Judas, His court trial by the Religious leaders and Pilate to carrying His cross all the way to Golgotha. It was always short, precise, cutting and hammering. However, what for me is so remarkably surprising is  even in the midst of an onslaught of “deadly weapons” hurled at him by His cruel enemies, wounding, hurting, beating  His soul and body until blood oozes from all over Him,

He never hurled any angry or cursed words on His enemies. He never even expressed any blame on anyone even with His own Father in heaven. What an amazing man He is! Who is this Man?  Why his reaction is so extraordinarily beyond human? 

First, He was making a public statement heard and learned by all men of all generations through prayer that He is none other than the Son of God and the Son of Man Jesus Christ who was sent by the Father to be the Eternal High Priest as mediator  to reconcile God and Man thereby bringing peace to both through Him and at the same time His body and blood as the once and for all  offering for the forgiveness of sin. He came to fulfill scripture prophecy in Isaiah 53:10-12 now confirmed by the New Testament writer of Hebrews 5:7-10;10:1-9.

Beloved friends and brethren, do not be afraid to come to God in faith through Jesus Christ humbly ask for forgiveness of your sins and help you change your life and direction to serve Him as Lord and Giver of eternal life so you can have a fresh start. Remember too to forgive others who sinned against you as His teaching and example for in so doing God’s kingdom and rewards is just around the corner. God’s presence go ahead of you and His blessings overtake you starting today! 

Second, He was initiating and ushering a new age in Human History. The first Man Adam failed in obeying God bringing in a race of humanity that is sinful and cursed natured in weakness, corruption, pain sickness, and death. But He is the New Adam! The One who perfectly obeyed God; the one who ushered in a better covenant! A new heart in man; better promises and the blessing of everlasting life! In order to cut the ribbon of a new beginning He has to release all offenses that man has given God that through all the injustices, hurt and pain he received God the Father used this to make Him carry all the injustices man did to God and to one another and with His Divine Breath and Prayer released all offenses done to Him and God thereby establishing the forgiveness of sin to all men of all ages. Hallelujah!

Let us remember that to practice having a fresh start or a new beginning whether it be everyday, week, month or year we need to regularly practice releasing offense of all who offended you whether the offense is imagined or real. Blessing of a new beginning be yours!