Messages From The cross

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From a sermon I preached years ago. Because of time and space I have
condensed it. All scripture is from the NKJV. skypilot

The Messages From The Cross



I. Forgiveness - Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they
do."

When we look back to Jesus' life and ministry we note how many
followed Him, how few loved Him, and how the many hated Him and cried
out for His blood. Yet Jesus never demonstrated a desire to get even
or seek revenage. He taught the importance of (1) loving God, (2)
loving self (3) loving ones friends(4) loving ones enemies. Christ
never spoke ill of anyone, not the beggar, not the religious leaders,
not the politicians, not the businessman, or anyone regardless of
their social status.
Here He hangs on the cross, bleeding, in pain, body torn, spikes
driven through his hands and feet. With great difficulty he heaves
Himself up, gasping for breath He cries out "Forgive them." Can we,
should we do any less?

II. Responsibility - John 19:26-27

26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved
standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then
He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that
disciple took her to his own home.
So often we hear of parents abandoning their children either because
they can no longer afford to care for them or simply because they
don't want to be burdened with the responsibility. This past winter
here in Ontario there have been at least two cases where someone has
abandoned babies for whatever reason. I know of former clients who
have tried to kill their parents. Yet, in spite of His suffering Jesus
takes the time to make sure that His mother is provided for. He places
her under the care of His youngest disciple who treat her as if she
were his mother. Then Jesus looks at His mother and places John under
her care. Mary would be taken care of and John would have someone to
care for and for someone to care for Him. It is God's will that we as
family, both earthly and spiritual, look after oneanother.

III. Promise - Luke 23:43

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your
kingdom." 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today
you will be with Me in Paradise."

Two thieves who had committed crimes were justly being punished. In
todays society it is hard for us to imagine being cruicified for
theft. Remember those times were harsher. Yet, today there countries
who cut off ones hand for stealing. However, the story here is not so
much about harsh laws as it is about forgiveness and offering real
hope. The one thief joins Christ's enemies in ridiculing Him, the
otheris more humble and recgnizes his wrong, not only in breaking the
law of the land but recognizing his spiritual need, recognizing his
need for forgiveness. In his own agony and suffering he turns to
Christ and seeks forgveness as a sinner. Jesus'face, His eyes must
have lit up with joy, His heart ful of love He replies "today you will
be with me in the presence of God." No matter what our sin Jesus will
forgive if only we will humble ourselves.

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of Gog, I come! I come!

IV. A Cry - Matthew 27:46

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying,
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You
forsaken Me?"[

Have you ever felt that your loved ones had forgotten about you? That
your best friend had left the friendship? Once as a little boy my dad
had to leave on business and I didn't want him to go, I wanted to be
with him. I remember crying as if my heart would break. The joy that
filled my heart when he came home.
Christ in His agony lifts His head with great difficulty and cries
out, "FATHER..." In Mel Gibson's movie, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST one
scene really stands out. After Jesus cries out all it shows a stormy
sky, one rain drop falls and then there is a down pour. To me that
lone rain drop represented a tear as God turned away from His Son on
the cross, not able to bear to watch His Son, our sin bearer die. I am
sure all of heaven was silent as angels and saints alike watched in
sorrow as the Son of God suffered and died. Do you think God still
weeps over wayward children? Over saints who suffer and even die for
His cause? Here though God had to turn away Redemption's plan had to
be fulfilled so that you and I might experience salvation and hope of
eternal life,

V. Thirst - John 19:28

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished,
that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" 29

I recall the days when I still lived at home and helped dad on the
farm. When we would go to the field we would take our lunch mom had
prepared and iceed coffee (don't knock it till you tried it). When the
sun got so hot and our thirst seemed unquenchable that our coffee soon
ran out. There was an old well with a pump close by. From that well
came the sweetest and coldest water ever drunk by thirsty men and it
quenched our thirst. Haver fainted from thirst? I did once as a child
not pleasant. Christ is is suffering, its a hot day under the middle
eastern sun, His back raw and bleeding, running a fever from loss of
blood and the pain. They give Him sour wine on a sponage.
Jesus told the woman at the well that HE is the living water and to
"drink" of Him would quench ones thirst. Jesus was speaking of
spiritual thirst. He satisfies our needs, our thirst, our hunger as no
one can. It is through Christ that we are find and experience
spiritual contentment, hope, joy and strength.

VI. Surrender Luke 23:46

. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father,
'into Your hands I commit My spirit.' " Having said this, He breathed
His last.


There is a moment of silence, only soft murmmers could be heard from
those around the cross. Soft weeping from Jesus' mother and from the
others who had devoted themselves to Him and now watched as He
suffered and died. Then...through the agony of His suffering they hear
a cry, not of despair but of truimph "IT IS FINISHED." Then His thorn
crowned head bowed, His body slumped and He died.
Christ had fulfilled His Father's will. The Plan of Redemption was now
finished. Soon would begin the hope of mankind.

Beloved Saviour, before Your cross I come with my load of sin

With broken heart, contrite spirit I yield mysef fully to you

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