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Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 2nd Saying

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On March 29, 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 second saying from the Cross, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” as recorded in Luke 23:43.

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “Promissory Note” is a written, signed, unconditional, and unsecured promise by one party (the maker or promisor) to another (the payee or promisee) that commits the maker to pay a specified sum on demand, or on a fixed or a determinable date. Promissory notes such as bank and currency notes are negotiable instruments.

When Jesus said to the repentant malefactor who hung alongside Jesus, that ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’, he was making a promissory note. The malefactor name was written in the Lamb’s book of life and signed by Jesus’ blood (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 20:11-15). It was unconditional as the malefactor did not have to do anything to receive what was promised to him and it was unsecured in the sense that the malefactor had nothing to be used as collateral to receive the promise that Jesus made. The determinable date was that very day (Today) and it committed Jesus, the promisor, to pay with his very life, so that this malefactor could enjoy the benefits of being in the presence of God (with Jesus), when he recognized Jesus Christ and believed in him as Lord and King (for the malefactor said “Lord, remember me when thou comest  into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Points to ponder:
In business terms, Jesus’ saying “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” is a promissory note of being with him in paradise and it is for all mankind who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and King. Have you received this promissory note from God? If you have not, don’t tarry, for the Bible says, that Today (now) is your determinable day; your day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) and you can come and negotiate (reason) together with God, for though our sins are like scarlet, He shall wash them white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

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.

Let’s talk business :: From the Cross – 1st Saying

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On March 28, 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 first saying from the Cross, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” as recorded in Luke 23:34.

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the term “Absorbed Account” is used to describe an account that is merged or combined with another related account and once absorbed, the original account ceases to exist, even though a paper trail remains showing proof of how the funds have been moved.

When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”, he was indeed absorbing the debt (the wages of sin is death) of all mankind into his very own account, for He who knew no sin, became sin for the Salvation of mankind (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now our debt ceases to exist, even though our conscience may exist to remind us of how unworthy we were, yet now without condemnation for having believed in Jesus Christ, the Only begotten Son of God and Savior of all mankind.

Points to ponder:
In business terms, “Father, forgive them for I am absorbing their account/debt”, said Jesus. Question: Has your life’s account been absorbed by Jesus Christ?

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

1 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit

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On April 23, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

The seventh saying of Jesus Christ, from the Cross of Calvary, was “Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit” (Luke 23:46). I remember when I was growing up in Malkangiri village, in the state of Orissa, to drink water from a borewell, as it was pumped, I would have to cup my hands so that the water could collect in my hands and then I could drink from my hands.

Jesus poured out His Spirit in the hands of God. The Bible says that it shall come to pass, that God will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28, 29). The question that remains is that when God pours out His Spirit on us, will we have cupped our lives to receive Him so that we can take in (drink) Jesus Christ, the Living Water who quenches the thirsts (desires) of our present life and eternally quenches the fire (of second death) in the life to come.

Points to ponder:
Jesus told God the Father, “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit.”
If today, He told you “Son/Daughter, into your life, I commend my Spirit”, are you ready to receive Him and believe in His Name? Think about it and tarry no longer, if you have not already accepted Him.

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.

It is Finished

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On April 22, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

The sixth saying of Jesus Christ from the Cross of Calvary was “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Jesus had mentioned that He had come to do the will of God the Father (John 6:38) and now in His status report, He was affirming that the task of saving mankind and reconciling man back to God was complete. God’s will for Jesus was to be the substitutionary acceptable Sacrifice, by drinking the cup of God’s wrath as a means of judgment against sin, so that each of us would not have to. This was the “Saving” will of God and It is Finished.

But God also wills that each one of us are Holy as He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16). In other words, God wants us to be perfect. His will is for us to be blameless before Him. The Only One who can present us blameless before God is Jesus Christ (Jude 1:24). This is the “Sanctifying” will of God for us through Jesus Christ. But you and I are far from being blameless and in our fraility, many times we disappoint God with our willful disobedience.

The Bible says that we ought to work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12). This does not mean that we need to or can earn our salvation of eternal life by living a life of piety or penance. Though some religion mistakenly prescribe a life of piety or penance, no one can earn his/her own salvation. It is a free gift of God that is granted to all who believe in God’s Only Son, Jesus Christ. Then what does the Bible mean by “work out your own salvation”? The first thing to realize, as someone mentioned, is that “Salvation must be worked in, before it can be worked out”. In other words, we must first trust and believe in Jesus to SAVE us (working IN of Salvation) and then we must trust and believe in Jesus to SANCTIFY us and make us perfect/blameless (working OUT of Salvation).

Points to ponder:
For the “Saving” will of God, Jesus said, “It is Finished.”
Now for the “Sanctifying” will of God, wherein we must conform to His image and be Holy as He is Holy, can Jesus say to God the Father, when He presents you and me before God’s Holy and Just throne, “It is Finished.” as well? Think upon it and act.

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.

I thirst

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On April 21, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ fifth saying from the Cross, which is “I thirst” has often been expanded as one which was the result of his physical needs for being quenched due to dehydration or metaphorically as one in which Jesus thirsted for the souls of those lost and those who had not yet placed their trust in him. But as I pondered on this saying, I wondered if there is the possibility of another dimension to this saying.

Jesus communed with God the Father, periodically while he was in his ministry.  But now with Him taking the sins of the world upon Himself, that communion (relationship) with God was severed because God is a Holy and just God and can have nothing to do with darkness (sin). It is probable that Jesus’ thirsted/yearned/longed for the communion he had with God the Father.

Points to ponder:
Do you thirst for having communion with God/Jesus?

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

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On April 20, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

[Scene: Courtroom; Location: Heaven; Defendant: You; Plaintiff: The accuser of the brethren a.k.a. Satan or the Adversary; Judge: God; Prosecutor: Jesus Christ]

Judge (God): Plaintiff, you may present your case.
Plaintiff (Satan): You see this filthy and guilty person. He deserves no mercy or grace for he has broken every law you have established. He is guilty of giving god like status to other things beside you.
Judge (God): Such as?
Plaintiff (Satan): His family, and his work. He is guilty of idolizing the materialistic possessions that you have given him, often refusing to give them back to you. He even takes your name in vain.
Judge (God): What do you mean?
Plaintiff (Satan): He professes with his lips your name but denies you by his life.
He does not keep your day holy, and works when he should be resting in your presence and gazing on your beauty in your house. He did not deserve the length of life that you had blessed him with, because he did not honor his father or his mother. He is guilty of murder, adultery, kept from giving back to you what you gave him thereby robbing you. He is a liar and a cheat, coveting all which does not belong to him. Most importantly, he does not love you nor his neighbors.
Judge (God): So, what is your charge against him?
Plaintiff (Satan): He is filthy of sin and guilty of unrighteousness; His penalty must be death! He is a good for nothing God-forsaken person.
Prosecutor (Jesus): I object your Honor.
Judge (God): Sustained
Prosecutor (Jesus): The plaintiff is incorrect. Yes, it is no doubt that this person deserves death, but He is not God-forsaken! You cannot forsake Him, Judge.
Judge (God): Why not?
Prosecutor (Jesus): Because you forsook me in his place. Remember, my agonizing and questioning cry from the cross – “Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?” I asked you “Why” (Lama) but now I see the answer. This man here and all like him are the reason as to why you had to forsake me.
Verdict: Blameless and Not Guilty!
Plaintiff (Satan): How can this be?
Judge (God): God forsook God so that God did not have to forsake man. This courtroom is adjourned.

Point(s) to ponder:
Man does not have to ask of God, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” because Jesus did in our stead.

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?

Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother

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On April 19, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

“Woman, Behold thy son” and to the disciple he said, “Behold thy mother”. This is recorded in the Scripture as the third saying of Jesus Christ from the Cross. From  cursorial evaluation of this text, it may seem like Jesus was ensuring that Mary his mother was provided for, however, close inspection of this saying reveals certain profound truths and hidden treasures.

This third saying on the cross establishes two facts
1. The brotherhood of Jesus and
2. The sonship of Jesus

Jesus commissioned his disciples to serve one another, but called them not servants but friends (John 15:15) but then after his resurrection from death,  he told the women to hurry and tell the news about his living, to his disciples, whom he referred to, not as friends but as brothers (John 20:17). Now with Jesus, telling Mary, his earthly mom, that the disciple who stood by her (and him), was her son, Jesus was stating that he was more than just a friend to the disciple; He was his brother. What is more is that all who trust in him are co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). In other words, we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters, and the Spirit enables us to address God as Abba, Father or in other words address Jesus as our brother (John 20:17).

Now, did you notice that Jesus told the disciple who stood by Mary, “Behold thy mother” and not “Behold MY mother”. In fact, he addresses Mary, as “Woman” and not Mother, though he addresses God as Father in his first and last saying from the Cross. His address of his mother as Woman and his statement to his disciples asserts that He was indeed the begotten and given Son of God and not just the child of Mary. The familiar verse from the book of the Prophet Isaiah establishes this fact as well – For unto us a child (of Mary) is born; unto us a Son (of God) is given.

Points to ponder:
Have you trusted in Jesus and believed in Him so that you can address God as Abba, Father and Jesus as your brother? He is the Son of God given for the salvation of mankind.

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. 

Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise

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On April 18, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

Jesus’ second saying from the Cross, to the penitent sinner was “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Deeper inspection of this saying reveals certain hidden treasures in this saying.

This was a true statement of assurance to a dying man from a dying Man. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, He went about in his  ministry by preaching “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [near].” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17) But now on the Cross, as one of the malefactors, who was crucified along side Christ Jesus, recognized the Innocence (Lamb), divinity (Lord), and Kingship (Lion) of Jesus Christ, Jesus assured him that on that very day (Today), he would be with Jesus Christ in paradise. The malefactor recognized Jesus to be the King that shall come and requested that he be remembered upon the return of The King. To this, Jesus replied by saying “Today, you shall be with me in paradise”. In other words, Jesus was asserting that the Kingdom of heaven was no longer at hand, but had come into fruition, with the completion of his work of Salvation, on the Cross. From that day onwards, man who was banished from having a direct communion with God in the paradisiacal garden (of Eden), could now have access to the throne of God and Christ Jesus. “Today” was not only the day of salvation for the repenting malefactor on the cross, but it was the appointed (accepted) time of the Lord for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 6:2) as the slain and worthy Lamb of God (Revelation 5) and as the Lord and King (just as the malefactor did) .

Points to ponder:
If Christ was to return today as the King in His kingdom, would he remember you and me? Can He tell of you and me, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise”?
Have you recognized Jesus Christ as THE Lamb, THE Lord and THE Lion (King)? If so, you can be assured of being part of His kingdom, when He returns. He has assured us of this by His true saying – “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

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 [INNOCENCE].
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord [DIVINITY],  remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom [KINGSHIP].
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

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

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On April 17, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

The first saying of Jesus on the Cross is commonly referred to as the word of Forgiveness and has been expanded upon in many good Friday sermons. It has several hidden treasures that can be missed if careful attention is not given.

When Jesus said “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”, he was establishing three facts –
1. The character of God the Father
2. The character of God the Son
3. The character of man

He was establishing the fact that the God of heaven is first a Father who would listen to the intercessory requests of His Son [and to that of his sons and daughter]. He was establishing the fact that God the Father was a forgiving God. This shows us the character of God the Father, as Father and as a Forgiving God.

But have you wondered, why Jesus did not forgive the ones he prayed for himself, but instead asked God the Father to forgive? Did he not have the right to forgive? From the gospel according to Matthew, from the account of the man with palsy being healed (not just physically, but spiritually as well, with the forgiveness of his sins), we learn that Jesus had the power (authority/right) to forgive sins on earth. Jesus had the right to forgive but he did not want to grab on to his rights as God, but instead He  humbled himself  as a servant, totally surrendering unto the plan of God the Father, unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2). This shows us the character of God the Son (Jesus) as a humble servant, accomplishing the work of God the Father.

Finally, Jesus’ first saying on the Cross, shows us the character of man. That man does not know. But what is it that man does not know? Many do not know of God’s righteousness, and try hard to establish their own righteousness, without totally submitting to God (Romans 10:3). Many are still ignorant that the only means to salvation is by believing in God the son, for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to all who believe (Romans 10:4) and it is the knowledge of this Truth that sets one free (John 8:32) from the penalty of sin (because God the Father forgives) and the power of death (which Jesus conquered by his humility and total surrender).  Him/her whom the Son of God sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36).

Points to ponder:
1. Are you willing to totally submit to God?
2. Are you willing to be freed from the wages of sin, which is death? If so, believe in Jesus.

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.

Matthew 9:6 (KJV)
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man [Jesus] hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Romans 10: 1-4 (KJV)
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit

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On April 2, 2010

In Christian, Seven Sayings

The seventh saying of Jesus as He hung on the Cross, living up to His Name, which was to save His people from their sins was a word of total submission and finality. His saying was ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit’. The scripture records “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.” (Luke 23:46).

This is the LAST ACT of the Jesus before he died. In an attempt to understand the depth of this saying, let us break this into three parts

  1. FATHER
  2. INTO THY HANDS
  3. I COMMEND MY SPIRIT

FATHER

The address of God as Father by Jesus is first a Testament of his SON-SHIP and secondly a Testament of his SEPARATION from God.
By addressing God as his Father, Jesus was establishing the fact that even though he was born of Mary and Joseph, He was the Son of God. The Magi did not ask “where is He who is born of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter?” Instead they asked of Herod, “where is HE who is born the King of the Jews?” Remember, in the 3rd saying on the cross, Jesus calls his earthly mother Woman reminding Mary of her PURPOSE. Epitaphs on tombstone often reflect the sonship of the deceased. The TITULUS (superscription) above the bruised and pierced of Jesus read not that he was Jesus, the carpenter’s son, the son of Mary but instead read IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDAEORVM (Latin) which when translated is Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews (English). God Himself  proclaimed that Jesus was his beloved son, in whom God was well pleased both at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) as well as in Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:7) . Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Note how Jesus addressed God as Father in the first saying (Father, forgive them for they know not what they do) and now in the seventh saying, he addresses God again as Father, but in the fourth saying, He addresses God as My God (Eloi). Prophet Isaiah says that  our iniquities separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and when Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree/Cross (1 Peter 2:24), a Holy God had to hide his face from the sinless one who was made sin (Isaiah 59:2). Jesus was therefore separated from God his Father on account of our sins. But when his sacrifice was accepted by God as the perfect and final offering (Hebrews 10:1-18) for all, He could say, “It is finished” and his relationship with God the Father was restored, whereby, Jesus did not have to address God as My God (Eloi) but as Father. Jesus calling God as ABBA (Father) is indicative of the restoration of the communion they had, a testament of the separation from God as Jesus bore the sins of the world.

INTO THY HANDS

The phrase, ‘into thy hands’ is a Testament of SECURITY.

Submission into the hands is God is the basis of our assurance in the hope of a future with God. It is testament of extreme Security. In John 10:27-30, Jesus’ saying establishes the fact that those who are in His hands or in the hands of God, His Father, are secure. No one can pluck his sheep out of his hand or out of his Father’s hand. (John 10:27-30). Voluntarily Jesus was submitting Himself into the hands of God.   Act 2:23 records wicked hands crucified and slew Jesus. Jesus’ crucifixion was not orchestrated by man, but was done as per the will of God.  God put himself into the hands of men so that men could be put into the hands of God starting with the God-man Jesus, who before he gave up his ghost, did the same, and put himself into the hands of God, His Father.

I COMMEND MY SPIRIT

The phrase I commend my spirit is a Testament of STEWARDSHIP and a Testament of a SAVIOR.
This saying of Jesus on the cross is a model of faithfulness under extreme duress, a kind of faithfulness we would want to have when things go wrong for us, especially when death seems imminent. The Spirit of God descended from the heavens and alighted upon Jesus (Matthew 3:16) and it stayed with Him as we see that the Spirit of God is what leads Jesus into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1).  The Holy Spirit of God that was came upon Christ is willingly submitted back to God the Father, so that the Holy Spirit can be given unto all those who believe in Jesus and in God the Father who sent Him (Acts 1:8) . In good stewardship, Jesus  faithfully returned to God what was His in the first place. It is important for us to answer whether, we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God and secondly have we commended our Spirit to God as Jesus did?
By saying, I commend my spirit, Jesus was conducting his own funeral. During a regular funeral, at the time of what is called commendation, the officiant stands near the body of the deceased and commends the person, who has died to God by saying somthing like “Receive him/her into thy arms of mercy”. By commending His Spirit voluntarily, Jesus was saying, I lay down my life for you. As the Savior of the world, he LAID DOWN his life on his own; it was not taken from him. (John 10:17).

For man, it is death first, then judgment (Hebrews 9:27); but for Jesus, it was judgment first, then death. People killed Jesus, but not his Spirit and the power of God resurrected His body that was killed and his Spirit lives on in each of us who have accepted Him and believed in his Name, confessing our sinfulness.

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit is a testament of Son-Ship, Separation, Security, Stewardship and a Savior.

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