THE POWER OF WORDS
‘UNDERSTANDING THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS’
By Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu
Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor
Words are powerful. They mean a lot. Words expresses the state of the mind. Words portray ‘the real and whole man.’ During the last hours of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, His last words are significant and full of meanings. The last seven words of Jesus before His final death made between His crucifixion and death reveals His humanity as well as His divinity. Careful and prayerful meditation on these words would bring health, hope and holiness to the Christian pilgrim.
The service of the seven words of Jesus Christ on the cross is planned to last for three hours between the hours of 12noon to 3pm or 3pm to 6pm as convenient with the faithful. These seven words were made by Jesus between the time of crucifixion and death. These seven words is commemorated on every ‘good Friday’ – the last Friday before Easter Sunday; and shows the importance of fighting the good fight.
THE GOOD FIGHT (Genesis 22:1-18)
Obedience breeds success and satisfaction. Following God to do His will no matter the cost is demanding, tasking and sometimes stressful. Total and absolute obedience to God’s command is VERY possible.
There are certain factors that can assist every child of God to experience victory:
- Proper understanding of the instruction from God – Gen. 22:2. God’s word is always specific and direct.
- Totally sold out to do God’s will – Rom. 12:1-2, Gen. 22:3-13 (cf – 12:1-4)
- Divine assistance through waiting on God. Psalm 40:1-4, Jn. 18:1, (Matt. 26:36-38). Following the LORD comes with various attacks & struggles – Lk. 10:10; 2Tim. 4:5-7,10,14-16.
- There are both internal and external fight to stop every child of God from doing God’s will.
- We are like sheep in the midst of wolves (Luke 10:3)
- Not every good thing you do will attract acceptance or applause. 2 Tim. 4:18, sometimes you may be total forsaken by others– 2 Tim. 4:11.
- To Jesus – He heard enemies among – the people, religious leaders, His disciples and His family. (John 7:5, 2Tim. 4:10-11).
Therefore, set your eyes on the goal: (Heb. 12:1, 1Corinth. 9:24-25, Phillip 3:13-14.)
The grace to finish well is available
THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS
1st – “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
2nd – “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
3rd – “Woman, behold your son, and son behold your mother..” John 19:26-27
4th – Eli! Eli!! Lama sabachthani” which means “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:46 & Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1.
5th – I thirst – Jn. 19:28
6th – it is finished. Jn. 19:29-30.
7th – Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46.
1st Word was To the Father
“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” Luke 23:34
In the midst of pain & suffering, Jesus still had the power to pray for His offenders. Rather than focusing on Himself, He was rather focusing on the salvation and forgiveness of others – it reveals an unconditional love for humanity.
The first word reveals the purpose of the cross – FORGIVENESS! God’s mercy transcends deep even when we know what is wrong and we do it, God in His mercy still forgives and receives us through repentance. This is reflected in 1Jn. 1:9. God does not only forgive us but removes our sins far from us as the east is to the west. (Ps. 103:13). Lord, teach us to accept your forgiveness. In the midst of pain, hurt, harm, suffering, affliction and injustice, our Lord still had the courage to pray for His offenders to be forgiven. Show care, concern & love to those who wronged Him. Rather than focusing on how to be free or on Himself, He was focusing on the survival of others – What an unconditional love.
PRAYER: LORD TEACH US TO ACCEPT YOUR FORGIVENESS; AND ALSO TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO OFFENDS US.
2nd WORD was TO THE CRIMINAL ON THE CROSS
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43(43)
Like the first, the second speaks of forgiveness, this time to a sinner. It shows His divinity and ability to open heaven to a repentant sinner, such that is only given to one who asked to be remembered. No amount of sin is beyond forgiving. In this second word, Jesus was sure of these things:
- The request of the criminal was genuine
- The criminal has been granted access to paradise through the finished work at Calvary.
- He has the power to will paradise to whoever he wishes.
The second word reveals that our journey does not end here on earth. There is a place after death. It’s either Paradise or somewhere else-Hell. The soul of man in eternal.
The word translated ‘paradise’ mean ‘garden’ referring to Garden of Eden in O.T; at the time of Jesus, it was associated with heaven, a place prepared by God. A place the righteous will inherit at death. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus; it was referred to as ‘Abraham’s bosom’
The criminal was a sinner all through his life’s time but just a minute to death, his expression of faith in Jesus Christ not in his personal word gave him mercy and forgiveness; which subsequently, opened the gate of paradise to him. The second word also shows Christ’s divinity and ability to open heaven to ANY repentant sinner who comes to HIM for mercy.
PRAYER: LORD HELP ME TO KNOW THAT I AM A SINNER THAT NEED A SAVIOR
3rd word – TO MARY & JOHN – John 19:26-27
‘Woman, behold your son, and son behold your mother.’
The love of a son to the mother and the mother to the son knows no bound. Jesus even in death had concern for His mother, the disciple he loved was given the duty to care for the mother, hence; all His brothers were no place near the cross.
The third word teaches us not to withdraw from our duties due to any form of challenge. In the midst of challenges and temptation, we as Christian must not abandon the duties we owe our family. Mary’s heart was indeed pearled (Luke 2:35). Jesus still knew His responsibility towards the mother. Do you know your duty towards your parents and family?
Jesus referred to Mary as woman (Jn. 2:1-11), recalling the woman in (Gen. 3:15), anticipating the woman clothed with the sun in Rev. 12. There were four at the foot of the cross – Mary His mother, John the beloved, Mary of Cleopas (the sister to His mother) and Mary Magdalene.
Prayer: FATHER HELP ME TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND ALIVE TO MY FAMILY DUTIES.
4th Word was to His God
“Eli! Eli!! Lama sabachthani” which means “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:46. See (Mk. 15:34, Ps. 22:1)
Loneliness is painful and can kill. The worst experience in life is being forsaken; especially when you need help most. In life, experiences may present itself as if God has abandoned you. But know this, God will never forsake you. Whatever God allows in the midst of our prayers is for the greater good.
Darkness engulfed the world for three hours – Jesus felt ‘forsaken’ by heaven; indeed, heaven kept silent, hence Jesus was suffering from man’s salvation and freedom. God could save Him but did not for man’s ultimate freedom.
Whenever you are passing through challenges – ask to know ‘the divine plan for that experience, and pray for the grace to go through.’ No matter what, God does not forsake His children. The most painful experience in life is the feeling of ‘forsaken’ always remember again and again; God will never forsake you. Despite your position.
PRAYER: FATHER! FORSAKE ME NOT IN MY HOUR OF DARKNESS.
5th WORD was a human expression
“I am thirsty” John 19:28
This is a human expression. Beyond this; Jesus was also thirsty for love, from His father and thirst for the salvation of the human race. See Ps. 62:21, Matt. 5:6. There is no thirst God cannot quench. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. This also should provoke our hunger for God. How thirsty are we for God, His works, His church? Jesus is thirsty for our wellbeing.
When Jesus Christ said “I thirst”
- He was longing for our salvation
- He was desirous of our deliverance.
- Jesus is interested in your salvation.
- He is not willing that you perish rather that you repent and be converted.
Upon the cross, Jesus was thirsty for your salvation today – He is thirsty of your steadfastness, dedication and fellowship. In the church, there are things He is looking out that we do.
- How do we respond to the master’s thirst?
- Do we give Him sweetness or bitterness?
- Do we quench His thirst or do we increase it?
- Do we help Him or hurt Him?
PRAYER: LORD! HELP ME TO KNOW THE AREA OF NEED IN YOU, GRANT ME POWER TO SATISFY IT.
6th Word was divine in nature, prophetical and a Victorious cry
‘It is finished’ Jn. 19:30
This was a cry for victory. The cry was in the past perfect tense, in the past tense and futuristic tense. It gives us revelation that the mission of Jesus Christ was not stopped half-way. It was an assignment begun and accomplished.
It further gives us assurance that through Christ’s grace whatever we begin we can finish. God is not the God of abandoned projects. It also reveals that our struggle through sacrifices of ram and bull for forgiveness has come to an end – (Heb. 1:1-3, Rom. 10:4)
When Jesus shouted: ‘it is finished’ it reveals Jn. 4:34
Secondly: Jn. 17:4 – He has glorified the father; no wonder the father could say: This is my well beloved son in whom I am well pleased. Matt. 3:17
By this cry – He totally redeemed us from every curse placed upon us – Gal. 3:3
Col. 2:14-15. There is therefore, no more judgment for you, every condemnation passed against you secretly is destroyed you. “It is accomplished” Jn. 19:30
Everything that has a beginning has an end. Jesus began in the womb of Mary and ended it upon the cross. You began as a baby; one day you will end either as an old man or a young man. The end is important. How will you end?
Jesus begun and finished. The sixth word shows that the task of our redemption is finished. When he said is finished, he was also saying it is over.
That sickness is over!
That sin is over!
That sorrow is over!
That sadness is over!
Only bring it to the feet of Him that has the ability to make all things accomplished. Whatever you are doing, whatever you need and you want to finish and finish well; only Jesus who has the experience of accomplishing things can teach you how to finish it. His word is a lamp and a light to guide and teach you.
PRAYER: LORD! EVERY TASK YOU HAVE COMMITTED TO MY CHARGE, HELP ME TO FINISH WELL.
7th Word was to the father
“Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” LUKE 23:46
These words which of course was Jesus final words on the cross suggest –
- Total surrender
- Not His will ever, but the father’s will.
He knew like the great Apostle that God is able to keep whatever is committed to His care. 2 Timothy 1:12
Who do you commit your issue to?
At this stage, Jesus was entering the most dangerous part of the price paying – journey to Hades. Therefore, He could not do it on His own hence the serpent has bruised his heel and He was entering into hell to bruise his head and take the key of the kingdom so as to hand it over to man, and reclaim all authority in Heaven and on earth.
Who else could help this mission to be accomplished if not the Father!
What is that difficult task and mission? Have you committed it to the LORD?
Sometimes people could think you are foolish but the things of the Spirit is to the perishing foolishness. Let me show you these;
- For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 1 Corinth. 1:18.
- God made foolish the wisdom of this world – 1 Corinth. 1:20
- The foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men – 1 Corinth. 1:25
Jesus knew this therefore, He committed His spirit to God. Do you do the same?
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46.
Paul said, I am persuaded that He whom I have committed this into His hand is able to keep it against that day. Who you make your keeper determines your safety. Life is full of options humanly and spiritually; we have several options. You have right to choose to hand your spirit to the father or to something else.
Jesus knew that the work is done and the next face is even more tasking. He got the father more involved. Who is in charge? Who have you handed your marriage, business and future to? If only you will learn to hand it over to the father who is able to keep it.
In everything you wish to accomplish in life, hand it over to the father
PRAYER: FATHER HELP ME TO DEPEND AND TRUST IN YOU & YOU ALONE.
WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS
Those who sang hosanna where the same people who shouted crucify him. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy week. It is also known as: Branch Sunday, Hosanna Sunday or Passion Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as savior and king.
The record of the event appeared in all of the four gospels, it is a moveable feast that takes place the Sunday before Easter. This important Christian service could be date as far back as the late 4th century in Jerusalem.
The service/ceremony is an act of WORSHIP, WITNESS AND DEVOTION.
Jesus journey into Jerusalem was to fulfill the father’s will. Every believer during this period must learn from this great act and example. The emphasis of the liturgy turns to the days that lie ahead in the Holy week.
We must ask ourselves this:
‘We who hail Jesus as king, are we going to join the crowd in the coming days even as the days unfold to shout ‘crucify Him’ or be among those that will betray or deny Him.
The day of the Palm Sunday is all about the song: Hosanna in the highest (x2); The Angels are singing! Hosanna in the highest.
MOST MISERABLE (1CORINTH. 15:19)
Hallelujah Christ is risen… He is risen indeed Hallelujah!
The message of Easter is the message of hope, love, restoration, healing, salvation, faith, Joy, gladness and reconciliation. It is the message of healing to the ill and wounded. Today, no matter what you are experiencing, rejoice for Christ has done it all for you. (Gal. 3:13, Col. 2:14-15)
Easter took away the judgment past upon mankind. Therefore, by His resurrection, I reverse every judgment passed upon you in Jesus name. God’s word in 1Corinth. 15:19 has two main words ‘miserable’ and ‘most’
What is ‘most’? It depicts greatness in amount, quantity or degree.
What is ‘miserable’? It is defined as wretchedly, unhappy and uncomfortable. Pitiably small or inadequate.
The Greek word translated ‘miserable’ means pitiable. The Igbo translation is – ‘Onye kwesiri ka emere ebere’ meaning one who deserve to be pitied.
The words reveals:
- If all that you need from Christ is only earthly and material – you are most miserable.
- If Christ did not rise, then we are the worst and most miserable to be pitied.
- If all our Christian race, sacrifice ends here on earth, we are the most miserable.
- If all Christ means to you is supply of earthly needs – you are most miserable.
Background:
Corinth was an important and wealthy City on the Isthmus (narrow strip of land) separating the northern and southern Greece. Here Paul spent 18th months during his 2nd missionary journey. It was from here that he left to visit Ephesus, Jerusalem, Antioch and Galatia. (see Acts 18:23). He wrote the book to warn the church against sexual sin (1Cor.5:9).
Through this lesson, we should know this;
- Eternity is real – Heb. 9:27, Lk. 16:19-31
- Are you prepared for eternity? Rev. 21:8, Rev. 20:12-13
- What will prevent you blissful eternity? – Rev. 21:8
- Do you know the cost of following Christ? – Matt. 10:11, 25; 10:38, 16:24, 8:22, 19:21.
- Are you saved?
Today, if you will hear HIS word; do not harden your heart, HAPPY EASTER SEASON AND GOD BLESS YOU
A WARM RECEPTION FOR THE KING (ZECH 9:9; MATT. 21:1-13)
Everyone tries to impress their important visitor. Sometime may go to the extent of borrowing. (Luke 11:5-6). This LESSSON portrays the extent many go in receiving a very important visitor.
What is Reception?
The action or process of receiving somebody or something sent, given or inflicted.
A formal social occasion held to welcome someone or to celebrate an event.
There are certain factors that influences our reception.
- Value placed on what you are receiving
- The method it was sent
- Advent of the reception
- Understanding of the parcel to be received.
Here
What to be received is known. Zech. 9:9-12
- He is your king
- He is dignified
- He has power
- He has dominion
- He speaks peace
- He is limitless – He can move from one end of the earth to another end of the earth (Zech. 9:10).
WHAT DO YOU HAVE? Matt. 21:2-3
It is one thing to have something, it is another thing to make it valuable. Vs 2-3.
- Have you made your provision & possession available for the master? Above all, do you even know that you belong to God? 1Corinth. 6:15,19.
- Are you glorifying God in your body?
See Matt. 21:6-9
- There were the going disciples
- There was the donkey (ass) and the colt (baby).
- There was the owner of the animals
- There were those that had garment
- There were those that had no garment but discovered the branch around them. Provided by nature, they did some work ‘cut the branches’
If you don’t have a garment like the rich man, can’t you use your hand work, use the nature provision around you to do good stewardship for the king?
