At The Foot Of The Cross Seven Statements Spoken

At the Foot of the Cross

Seven Statements Spoken

John 19:25-27 Monte T. Brown

April 23, 2006 Sunday Night

First Baptist Riverton

Introduction

As you already very well know, last week was The Passion Week, throughout the Christian world reflect upon that day almost 2,000 years ago as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ made that triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

So enthusiastic were the people in welcoming Him that crowds lined the streets, throwing flowers, and spreading their cloaks on the road as a carpet for Him.

Following the traditional method of welcoming kings, they cut palm branches & waved them in the air before Him.

In face of such a wild and tumultuous event, the Pharisees who had been plotting against Jesus cried out in despair, Look how the whole world has gone after Him! John 11:19b

But you also know how quickly everything changed.

In just a few days the shouts of Hosanna! turned into Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

And so it was they crucify Him!

Crucifixion was a slow & horrible way to die.

According to the Roman law, this slow and horrible torture was reserved for only the worst of criminals, those whose death could serve as an example to the people of the mighty power of the Roman government.

Most of the time, as we talk about the cross, we picture the terribleness of that scene.

We speak of the nails that where driven into His hand and His feet.

We see Him hanging there suspended between heaven and earth, as the crowd passes by laughing and mocking at Him.

If you are the Christ, come down from the cross, and we’ll believe in you then! He saved others, but Himself He cannot save. Matthew 27:40-42

It seems that the only time we hear a message about Calvary is around Easter.

Have we limited the number of times we can preach a message on Calvary, in fear of sounding repetitious?

I believe that Calvary should be preached all the time.

Charles Spurgen once said, No matter were you start a message, make sure you always end up at the cross.

William R. Newell pinned these words of a great old song:

Years I spent in vanity and pride,

Caring not my Lord was crucified,

Knowing not it wad for me He died on Calvary.

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;

Pardon there was multiplied to me;

There my burdened soul found liberty At Calvary.

The justice of God was satisfied at Calvary when Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.

The mercy of God was satisfied at Calvary because we did not have to suffer the penalty of sin, a penalty we so richly deserved.

Jesus spoke seven statements from the Cross-, each statement showing a different aspect of Calvary’s function.

The first three statements (which we call ords) were spoken before Jesus entered the court of God:

1. Word of Forgiveness

Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34

These words ring true today, for they do not know what they do, the world does not understand Calvary! The world goes on living in its sin and mocking God.

No matter how bad of a sin you have committed God will forgive. Even crucifying His son.

2. Word of Promise

And Jesus said to him, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. Luke 23:43

This act of forgiveness was not limited to the thief on the cross, but is extended to all who will call upon the Lord.

Jesus Christ himself has assured us that if we repent and ask for forgiveness, we will receive eternal life.

3. Word of Care

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:26-27

With these three words Jesus saw that all His earthly responsibilities were cared for, offered forgiveness to those who did not deserve such forgiveness, and welcomed a new convert into the Kingdom of God.

4. Word of Loneliness

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

In Christ’s fourth word He entered the courtroom of God. Jesus usually addressed the head of the Trinity as Father, but He now calls Him God, a judicial title rather than the familial one.

5. Word of Suffering

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. John 19:28