March 29, 2020

FAMOUS LAST WORDS, PART 1
March 29, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

During this unprecedented time of enforced isolation from most of our fellowmen, have you heard about or read of actions that people or businesses are doing that are encouraging?

Open:
Today we enter a new series, looking forward to Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus made statements as He hung on the cross, not only meant for those people in that time, but also for mankind throughout the ages, for us, and for the generations which will come after us. They all give a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus Christ, what He came to earth to accomplish, and the plans He had for all of us.

Key Verse:

Focal Passages: Luke 23:32-43; John 19:25-27

Forgiveness

  • Read Luke 23:32-33. What had been happening to Jesus during the past several hours? What was happening to Him physically as He hung on the cross?
  • Read verse 34. Can you comprehend how it was even possible for Him to focus on the people who had sentenced Him to death—and sinners through the ages—while He was in such agony? How would you have handled it?
  • How was His prayer to His Father answered even as He hung dying?

Hope

  • Read Luke 23:39. Jesus was hung between two thieves; who can the first criminal represent through the years since the crucifixion?
  • Read verse 40. Who could the second criminal represent? What had begun happening in his heart that caused him to rebuke the first thief?
  • Read verse 41a and Romans 6;23. How did this man understand there is a penalty required for sin? Read verse 41b. During the three years prior to the crucifixion, what had Jesus been doing that the second thief was able to make his remark? Read John 18:20. How does this verse confirm your answers?
  • Read verse 42. How can you know that, in a moment of clarity, his faith became real?
  • Read verse 43. How does the answer of Jesus give you encouragement? How is this the epitome of hope?

Comfort

  • Read John 19:25-27. As the time was passing, Jesus’ pain had to be getting harder to bear. Why does it bring comfort to know in those horrible moments His concern was for others, including His mother? Why was He concerned for her welfare after the crucifixion?
  • What did He ask of John? Why would He ask John, and not one of His half-brothers?
  • What does this concern show about the heart of Jesus? Why does it exemplify the commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother”? (Exo.20:12).

Close:

Most of us have never been in excruciating pain to the point that Jesus suffered over His entire body. When we think back upon our lives to a time of what we considered intense pain, it could be a migraine, a broken bone, childbirth, kidney stones, or a variety of other conditions that comes to mind. To think of the beating, the cruel thorns in the scalp, nails driven in the hands and feet—those things are beyond our understanding. 

Taking all the pain into account—especially considering we can’t really identify with the depth of it—and then speaking in a manner that reveals a heart full of love, is beyond comprehension. In the statements we read today, the first showed a complete love for those who were standing at the cross, not concerned for the monstrous deed they had performed. Yet He asked His Father to forgive them! Not only them, but by extension, sinners who have chosen to walk apart from Him through the centuries. What love!

His second statement was full of love and hope. Few verses bring such great hope as telling the second thief, “Today you’ll be with ME in Paradise!” For those who have asked Jesus to save them—even in their last moments of life—what peace that one verse can give. The third statement, giving the care of His mother to the “beloved disciple” (John), shows how He loved and cherished her, honoring her for the years she had spent preparing Him for this moment.

Most people would be screaming expletives at worst, or unable to speak coherently at best, but not Jesus Christ. As in His life, His final words were spoken for the good of those who would need the forgiveness, hope or love. What a testimony that His life—and dying—was!