The ultimate sacrifice for you and me

Last week, many of us celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a very significant event in the history of the Christian Faith. This article will focus on the seven last statements Jesus Christ made while on the cross.

“Father forgive them, for they know what not what they have done.” Despite being taken advantage and treated so meanly, Jesus still asked God to forgive them. I believe this is a great example for us to live by. Forgive people no matter how they treat you. Jesus could have asked God to do anything to his tortures. He could have asked God to deal with them. He could have asked God to destroy them. He could have asked God to kill them. Instead, he asked God to forgive them. What about you?

Jesus was hung on the cross between two criminals. One of those criminals asked Jesus to

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

remember and of course Jesus replied and said “I tell you the truth, today, you will be me in Paradise.” You see even on the cross, this dying criminal recognized Jesus and was given an opportunity to live in Paradise with Jesus. This act alone demonstrate that you too can have an opportunity even on your dying bed. However, you do not have to wait until you are dying because you can die suddenly so it is best now to ask Jesus to come into your heart.

“Dear Woman, here is your son and to the disciple, here is your mother.” Jesus was concerned about his mother and so he entrusted his mother in the care of his disciple. Even on the cross and in pain, Jesus has demonstrated how we should be concern about the wellbeing of our parents. He did not put her into anybody’s hand but into the hands of someone that has demonstrated a commitment to God.

“Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani? My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? I believe as a human and particularly a born again Christian, when you go through pain and suffering, you feel that God has forsaken you. Perhaps these words are to demonstrate to us that he knows how we feel too when we are suffering.

Jesus Christ was also dehydrated and exhausted and as a result he was physically thirsty and so he was expressing his thoughts with the words “I am thirsty.’. Again, this illustrates to us that he understands our hurt and pain as humans.

I appreciate the seven statements that Jesus Christ made but my favourite statement is the sixth statement which is, “it is finished.” The debt was paid. He completed what he came to earth to do. He came to save me and you.