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Category: Seven Sayings Page 4 of 6

No more, Nothing more :: It is finished

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On March 30, 2013

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ sixth saying from the Cross is recorded in the gospel according to apostle John in chapter 19 verse 30. It reads, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Jesus said, “It is finished” to not only imply but also affirm that, that which was needed was indeed completed. The price that was necessary to redeem mankind from the power of sin and its wages, which is death, was paid in full. There is no more debt remaining. This also meant that there is nothing more necessary to save one’s soul because Jesus’ willing sacrifice was pleasing to God and was accepted by God, once and for all (Hebrews 10:12).

Points to ponder:
It is finished means there is no more debt; it means there is nothing more needed. In other words, it means it is all grace and no works that is necessary to save mankind (Ephesians 2:8-9). All works and no grace will keep the state of man’s soul unredeemed. All grace and no works will redeem the soul of man. We can confidently sing “Jesus paid it all” because he victoriously declared “It is finished.”

John 19:30 (KJV)
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Quenched :: I thirst

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On March 29, 2013

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ fifth saying from the Cross is recorded in the gospel according to apostle John in chapter 19 verse 28. It reads, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.”

While some have exposited on this saying of Christ, “I thirst” as a literal expression of Jesus’ physical human thirst, others have expressed this as a symbolic expression of his spiritual thirst longing for the many souls he came to redeem; both of which are certainly plausible. Furthermore, some have pressed on to state that this is an expression of his longing for his reunion with God his Father, from whom he had felt forsaken which he expressed in his question to God in his fourth saying from the Cross.

Yet as I pondered over this saying, I felt led by the Holy Spirit, that another revelation of his living Word convicts me to believe that the God who thirsted on the Cross, thirsted so that you and I would not have to thirst anymore. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that whoever drinks of the water that he shall give shall never thirst; but the water that he shall give, shall be in that person a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14).

Points to ponder:
Jesus thirsted so that you and I need not thirst anymore. Are you thirsty or are you quenched? If you are thirsty, come to Jesus who thirsted for you and me. Come and receive the living water that he gives – so that we may never thirst again. If you have already come and are quenched, then let the refreshing and rejuvenating water of the Holy Spirit within renew your heart and become in you a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

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

John 4:19 (KJV)
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Why :: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)

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On March 28, 2013

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ fourth saying from the Cross is recorded in the gospel according to apostle Matthew in chapter 27 verse 46. It reads, Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

To an omnipotent God this question may be rhetorical but this question warrants an answer, for even the angels desires to know the mystery of Salvation found in Jesus Christ, which is revealed unto man by the revelation and power of the Holy Ghost (1 Peter 1:12).

Question: Why was Jesus forsaken?
Answer: You
Answer: Me

Points to ponder:
God (the Father) forsook God (the Son) so that he did not have to forsake us. Jesus cried from the Cross, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” and today he is crying, “My child, my child, why have you forsaken me?” If you (and I) are forsaking God with our selfish and sinful lifestyle, let us forsake our own life (as Jesus willingly did) to gain it from the One who is Life personified.

Matthew 27:46 (KJV)
46 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?

1 Peter 1:12 (KJV)
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Behold :: Woman, Behold thy Son! … Behold thy Mother!

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On March 27, 2013

In Christian, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ third saying from the Cross was addressed to Mary his mother and to the disciple whom he loved and it is recorded in the gospel according to the apostle John in chapter 19 verses 26 and 27. In this saying, Jesus tells Mary and the disciple standing beside the Cross,  to look (behold) at each other, and from that hour, the disciple takes her to be part of his own home (family).

Jesus addresses his mother as ‘Woman’. The very first time the word ‘Woman’ is used in the Bible, it is used in the context of establishing a family, when Adam (the first man) calls Eve (his wife) ‘woman’ as he recite the first love poem of her being the bone of his bones and the flesh of his flesh (Genesis 2:23). From the Cross again, Jesus is using the same word ‘Woman’, to address his mother, here in the context of establishing a family for her.

Also, did you notice that Jesus tells his mother and his disciple to look at each other. Just as it was in the garden of Eden, God is interested in establishing familial relationships from the Cross.

Points to ponder:
The world is attempting to redefine what constitutes a family, many a times, violating the plan that God has planned since the first family between a man and a woman, in the garden of Eden. God wants us to look (behold) at the family and accept the widows, orphans, and others who have no one for them, as our own family. After all the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross beckons us to look at (behold) God as he takes us, the Church which is the bride (woman) of Jesus Christ, to be adopted into his family. Church, Behold the Family! Behold!

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

Today, You (with) Me :: Today shalt thou be with me in paradise

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On March 26, 2013

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ second saying from the Cross is recorded in the gospel according to apostle Luke in chapter 23 verse 43. It reads “Verily, I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This was said to a penitent sinner who was condemned by man to die alongside Jesus on his cross, when the malefactor recognized Jesus as Lord and King and asked to be remembered (Luke 23:42).

While on one hand, these words are words of assurance that grant access to the very throne of God, for anyone who repents and recognizes the Lordship and Kingship of Jesus, these words also have much truth hidden in it which close scrutiny reveals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was born, he was to be called “Emmanuel” which being interpreted is God with us (men/women) (Matthew 1:23). Now in his second saying from the Cross, Jesus was living up to his name, ironically by his death, whereby he made it possible for man to be with God.

In Jesus’ birth, it is God with man.
In Jesus’ death, it is man with God (in paradise).

Points to ponder:
Jesus said, “Verily, I say unto you. Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.” to a repentant sinner. Now, can he say that of you? In other words, have you believed in him, repented and accepted him to your Lord and King? “Today, You (with) Me” says God. What is your response?

Luke 23:39-43 (KJV)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

They know not :: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do

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On March 25, 2013

In Christian, Good Friday, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ first saying from the Cross is recorded in the gospel according to the apostle Luke in chapters 23 verse 34. It reads “Father, forgive them;  for they know not what they do.” referring to the parties that were responsible for his crucifixion at that present time, and all who preceded and succeeded them.

Jesus’ reasoning to God, his Father was that the people did not know. What is it that the people did not know? They did not know, that knowing God and Jesus, whom God had sent was eternal life (John 17:3). In other words, they did not know what eternal life is. They did not know that in killing Jesus, the One who is life personified, they were players in God’s grand plan of being gifted eternal life, for without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 6:23; John 3:16).

They did not know that the verdict of their guilty act of murdering Jesus was not death, but life; life eternal.

Points to ponder:
Do you know God the Father and Jesus whom he has sent, for only in knowing God the Father, and his Only begotten son, through the revelation of God’s Holy Spirit, are you assured of eternal life. If we know, and our verdict is life instead of the death which we deserve, are we living as if we have been gifted eternal life, or are we living our lives without Christ Jesus being the Lord and Master of our lives. In other words. would Jesus have to request to God the Father, today, for him to forgive us and give God the reason – They know not? Think about that.

Luke 23:33-34 (KJV)
33 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.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

John 17:3 (KJV)
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 7th Saying

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On April 5, 2012

In Christian, Seven Sayings

When Jesus was twelve years old, he questioned, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) and on his crucifixion, he spoke seven sayings that are often expanded upon on Good Friday services, all over the world. This series, ‘Let’s talk business’ is a look at the seven sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, from a business perspective. Today we shall look at the seventh saying from the Cross, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” as recorded in  Luke 23:46.

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “closure” is used to describe the termination of an project or activity. This happens after handover and closeout. The Association for Project Management defines handover as the final phase in which the deliverables are handed over to the sponsor and closeout as the process of finalizing all project matters.

When Jesus said “Father, into thy hands, I commend my spirit” before giving up his ghost, he was essentially handing over his spirit to God the Father, finalizing his act of being The Savior of the world and putting to closure the need for any more sacrifice for the remission of sins. God’s project of making a means to reconcile mankind to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19), was now put to an end, because Jesus’ willing and unblemished sacrifice was accepted by God (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus came to save sinners and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45) and now he had finished the work that God had given him to do (John 17:4). With this last saying, he was declaring to the world and to God the Father, that his work of redeeming mankind was now complete. He was ready to be restored to the former glory that he had with God the Father, even before the world existed (John 17:5), putting a closure to his earthly mission.

Points to ponder:
Jesus handed over his spirit to God the Father and put a closure to his mission, while on earth. Can you/I emulate this model of Jesus Christ and hand overselves over, in totality (our body as a living sacrifice, our mind reflecting the humility as that of Christ, and our spirit), to God, and put a closure to the worldly things of this world, while on earth?

Luke 23:46 (KJV)
46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. 

Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 6th Saying

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On April 4, 2012

In Christian, Seven Sayings

When Jesus was twelve years old, he questioned, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) and on his crucifixion, he spoke seven sayings that are often expanded upon on Good Friday services, all over the world. This series, ‘Let’s talk business’ is a look at the seven sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, from a business perspective. Today we shall look at the sixth saying from the Cross, “It is finished” as recorded in John 19:30.

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “Paid in full” is used to describe the situation when debt is satisfied in its entirety.

When Jesus prayed, he prayed that he had finished the work that God had anointed him to do (John 17:5) and now on the Cross, he reaffirmed it by stating “It is finished.” But what is it that has been finished? The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but Jesus’ death satisfied our debt of sin in its entirety. This means there is no longer any lien on our soul if we believe in Jesus.

Points to ponder:
Does your soul have a lienholder or have you believed in Jesus Christ? In business terms, Jesus paid in full; he paid for us all with his life. Now can we in response, offer and pay our lives in full back to him. 

John 19:30 (KJV)
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 5th Saying

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On April 3, 2012

In Christian, Seven Sayings

When Jesus was twelve years old, he questioned, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) and on his crucifixion, he spoke seven sayings that are often expanded upon on Good Friday services, all over the world. This series, ‘Let’s talk business’ is a look at the seven sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, from a business perspective. Today we shall look at the fifth saying from the Cross, “I thirst” as recorded in John 19:28.

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “demand” has got three definitions. In commerce, it is the claim for a sum of wages as due, required or necessary. In economics, it is the desire for certain goods or service supported by the capacity to purchase it and in law, it is an assertion of a legal right.

When Jesus said, “I thirst”, from the vantage point of his physical needs, it is likely that he merely expressed the need for water, which is critical for life. However, deeper scrutiny of the text reveals that he said, I thirst so that the scripture may be fulfilled and this leads us to learn that this saying has a far greater undercurrent than a mere expression of physical need. Moreover, have you ever wondered why the very one who is the source of living water, thirst merely for the waters he created in order to live. Jesus knew that He, the Son of God, had come to give is life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45), and his goal was not to survive the cross, but to lay down his life (1 John 3:16) and in doing so, he paid the ransom and made the purchase of our lives/soul with his blood (Acts 20:28), therefore claiming the totality (sum) of our life, desiring our soul and asserting his lawful right over us (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Points to ponder:
We were bought with the blood of Jesus and so he demands (thirsts for) our life in return, commercially claiming it, economically desiring it and lawfully asserting it. In business terms, the Scripture, that God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) comes closer to fulfilment when you believe in response to Jesus’ demand (thirst).  Have you/I given our lives in total and believed in him by faith?

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

Acts 20:28 (KJV)
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV)
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 4th Saying

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On April 2, 2012

In Christian, Seven Sayings

When Jesus was twelve years old, he questioned, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) and on his crucifixion, he spoke seven sayings that are often expanded upon on Good Friday services, all over the world. This series, ‘Let’s talk business’ is a look at the seven sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, from a business perspective. Today we shall look at the fourth saying from the Cross, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is to say “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. ” as recorded in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 (in fact, this is the only saying that is recorded in more than one gospel).

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “bankruptcy” is used to describe a legal procedure for liquidating a business or property owned by an individual and can be brought upon voluntarily or be forced on by the law. The two major objectives of bankruptcy are: first to function as a fair settlement of legal claims of the creditors and secondly to provide the debtor an opportunity for a fresh start.

When Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” it was not a cry of accusation but an expression of agony and bankruptcy, because the fulfillment of the first messianic prophecy declared in the garden of Eden by God (Genesis 3:15) was now coming into fruition, and Jesus, who was sinless had become sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) by the imputation of our sins on him, severing the holiness of God from him, for what communion can Light have with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). According to the law, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and the law required payment. In order to pay the price on behalf of mankind, Jesus voluntarily made himself bankrupt, leaving the glory that he had with God the Father (John 17:5), making himself One of no reputation (Philippians 2:7) and humbled himself unto death, even death on the Cross. A fair settlement is a sacrifice without blemish and when no one created in heaven or on earth could meet the requirement to stand in the gap between God and man, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world bankrupts himself to become the sacrifice acceptable unto God, once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-18).  This way, his bankruptcy serves to provide man, the debtor, a fresh start, for whoever believes in the name of Jesus Christ, is a new creation for the old things have passed away and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Points to ponder: 
Jesus became bankrupt so that you and I could enjoy the riches of heaven and be brought into the glory of God. There is no other sacrifice that is acceptable to God. God forsook his only begotten Son, so that he did not have to forsake you. Do you have a fresh start? In other words, have you believed in Jesus Christ? An expression of the acronym FAITH is Forsaking All I Trust Him and Salvation comes only by grace through faith (belief) in Christ Jesus. Have you believed? If not, don’t tarry and for those of us who have believed, are you/I willing to become bankrupt of our worldly ties? In business terms, Jesus became bankrupt so that you and I could be rich toward God and that is the only currency that matters in this life and the one to come.

Matthew 27:46  (KJV)
46 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?

Mark 15:34 (KJV)
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

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