ONE GREAT DAY — SEVEN GREAT WORDS

by Dr. Don Sisk

Luke 23:33-34 “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

Introduction

While being crucified, Jesus spoke seven times. It was not unusual for dying criminals to speak. They often cried that they were innocent. They would curse those serving as executors. They would often plead for mercy. Many times they would pray for an immediate death.

From the lips of Jesus there came no cursing, no remorse, no plea for release. In six hours of the most excruciating pain imaginable to man, He uttered seven great words.

1. A Word of Forgiveness

“…Father, forgive them….“ (Luke 23:34) When Jesus uttered these words, for whom did He pray? Some said it was for the Jews who had insisted that He be crucified. Others said it was for the Romans who carried out the crucifixion; however, it was the sins of the world for which He was dying. It was my sins and your sins that nailed Him to the cross. Thank God, He was praying for me; He was praying for you. The first words from His lips as He suffered on the cross were true to His character. They were words of a prayer, a prayer of forgiveness.

2. A Word of Grace

“…Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) A dying thief recognized that the person on the middle cross was not a criminal, but the Messiah. “…Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) The thief knew that Jesus was sinless and that this man had done nothing amiss. He knew that he was a sinner and was being punished justly. He pleaded for mercy. He received not only mercy, but grace. Jesus spared him that which he deserved (eternal separation from God); that was mercy. He gave him that which he did not merit (eternity with Jesus); that was grace.

3. A Word of Duty

“…He saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27) Jesus was the oldest son in the family. Many believe that Joseph had died by this time. Jesus had a domestic responsibility. Even while He was dying on the cross, He thought of duty! He thought of responsibility! He thought of others!

4. A Word of Anguish

“…My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) The first three words were to men. During that time it was daylight, but then a mysterious darkness engulfed the earth. Though He felt forsaken, He did not lose faith. His words were still “…My God….” This was the heart of His suffering. For the only time in all eternity, God the Father and God the Son were not in communion. Jesus was taking my place and your place. He was being forsaken that we might be forgiven.

5. A Word of Pain

“…that the scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I thirst.” (John 19:28) With parched lips, because of the inhuman treatment during the past 24 hours of His earthly life and the loss of blood, he cried out, “…I thirst….” He was a man. He had the same pain that any of us would have felt. He created the rivers, the springs, the oceans, but He thirsted. Oh, what a Savior!

6. A Word of Victory

“…It is finished….” (John 19:30) Tetelestai is the Greek word that is equivalent to those three English words. Thank God, Jesus did not say, “I am finished” but “…It is finished….” Satan is defeated. Jesus has done all that the Father sent Him to do. Redemption is complete. What wonderful words - “…It is finished….”

7. A Word of Commitment

“…into thy hands I commend my spirit….“ (Luke 23:46) Jesus died voluntarily. No man took His life, He lay it down. Everything that needed to be done had been completed. He now, in perfect peace, committed His spirit into the Father’s hands. F. B. Meyer has well said, “He saw no dismal abyss, no gulf of darkness, no footless chaos, but hands, even the hands of a loving Father.” Because He knew His Father, there was no fear. Because we know God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins, we can have this same peace when it is our time to die.

Conclusion

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus our Lord! What a great message for a lost and dying world. This wonderful Savior who has brought salvation to you and to me is saying unto us, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”