Seven Last Words of Jesus (Luke 23:44-49) The Love Word “Trust” Seven Last Words of Jesus (Luke 23:44-49)

Palm Sunday: the victory parade that leads to the cross

The story of the 7 words 9am to 3pm Darkness: 12 to 3pm Eli! Eli! Lema sabachthani! (My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me!) Love separated – Love reconnected Sonship lost – Sonship reinstated

From alienation to restoration 4th word, “substitution” alienation 7th word, “trust” restoration

From alienation to restoration And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 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) The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:38)

The curtain

Love moved alienation and restoration Sonship=inheritance | all called to sonship The Son of God became the son of man, so that the sons of men might become the sons of God

The loud voice “Jesus called out with a loud voice,” at the 7th word (Luke 23:46) “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). (Matthew 27:46)

“Who killed Jesus?” No one takes my life away from me. I give it up of my own free will. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father has commanded me to do.” (John 10:18, Good News Translation).

“Who killed Jesus?” It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1, NIV)

Why did Jesus die? Redeem the world

Why did Jesus die? Reconcile humankind to God

The way to the Father is the way of trust Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (Psalm 31:5, NIV)

The way to the Father is the way of trust Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep And if I die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take.

The way to the Father is the way of trust While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60, NIV).

“into your hands” What happens to the life surrendered to God in trust? I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  (John 10:28-29)

“into your hands” Big enough to hold me Kind enough to bless me Strong enough to keep me secure

Why did Jesus trust the Father? Why should I trust God? Jesus lived and he died. Trusting the God the Father in heaven. I too can live and die in trust.

Father into your hands I commit my spirit Make this your prayer of trust today