Seven Statements From The Cross

“Father, Forgive Them” Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 NKJV) Remember the events that led to the cross. If anyone ever had a reason to be bitter it was Jesus. Jesus prayed for all mankind. His prayer was answered at Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-41)

Today In Paradise And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43 NKJV) Three men – two thieves and Jesus – hung on crosses, suspended in mid-air above the soldiers, religious leaders, and curious onlookers. Many people had abandoned Jesus, and many had betrayed Him. This man’s simple request must have sounded gratifying to Him. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)

“Woman, Behold Your Son” When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" (John 19:26 NKJV) Jesus had every reason to be self- absorbed and bitter as He hung on the cross. In times of crisis, do we withdraw, or do we reach out?

“Why Have You Forsaken Me?” 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?" (Matthew 27:46 NKJV) Psalm 22 Jesus wasn’t just a good man who died for a cause He believed in. He wasn’t simply a misunderstand martyr or a teacher who said too much. He was Almighty God, who stepped out of heaven to earth for one unique purpose: to give His life for you and me! The only recorded question ever asked by Jesus to God! The same question that most every believer asks at some point in their spiritual journey. (Ike Reighard)

“I Thirst” After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" (John 19:28 NKJV) Even in agony, Jesus maintained an unclouded mind. As a student of scripture, He knew that the prophets had predicted that the Messiah’s death would produce a dry mouth and those attending the execution would offer “vinegar for thirst”. (Psalm 22:15; 69:21) "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV)

“It Is Finished” So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30 NKJV) His statement “it is finished” is a translation of a Greek phrase that means “paid in full”. The reason Jesus came to earth was to pay the terrible price for our sins. From the moment He was born, every interaction, every decision pointed to this moment. The price was paid. Totally, Completely, Once for all! "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10 NKJV)

“Into Your Hands” 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. (Luke 23:46 NKJV) Earlier, Jesus had experienced the Father’s abandonment as the weight of mankind’s sins crushed Him. He had moaned “Oh, God, why have you forsaken me?” But now, in the last seconds of His earthly life, Jesus expressed His utter, complete trust in the Father! When you are in trouble and don’t know what to do, you can turn to God for comfort and direction! We may not know what to do, but we can pray “Father, I’m in Your hands!” When you are in trouble and don’t know what to do, you can turn to God for comfort and direction! We may not know what to do, but we can pray “Father, I’m in Your hands!”

You Can Trust The Man Who Died For You! And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16 NKJV)

Sources Daily Inspirational Messages with Zig Ziglar