Jesus brings God’s love to those who gather at the cross

By Editor | March 27, 2014 |

We count seven times that Jesus spoke at his crucifixion. Yet none of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) tell them all. Each writer chose the “saying(s)” that fit best with his presentation of the Good News of Jesus.

Join me in reflecting on these final words of the savior, and receive God’s love for the world that will bring you a future full of hope.
Luke’s Gospel tells us that Jesus “prayed, Father forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34) as he was nailed to the cross. Now he puts into action what he encouraged his followers to do: “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:48). Jesus lived what he taught.
“Oh, may we who mercy need be like you in heart and deed when with wrong our spirits bleed! Hear us holy Jesus.”
The Third Gospel tells us much about Jesus’ concern for the needy, with stories of forgiveness (Luke 15). His arms were open to all, as they were to the criminal crucified next to him. To the thief, who said, “Remember me, Jesus, when you enter your kingdom,” Jesus responds with love: “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise." (Luke 23:48).
“May we in our guilt and shame still thy love and mercy claim, calling humbly on thy name: Hear us, holy Jesus.”
Then there was Jesus’ mother, Mary. What would become of her as her bread-winner died? Entrusted to “the disciple Jesus loved,” she would be taken care of with love (John 19: 26, 27). The savior knew the commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that it may be well with you and you will live long on the earth” (Exodus 20). Love would not let her go!
“Jesus loving to the end her whose heart your sorrows rend, and thy dearest human friend: Hear us, holy Jesus.”
Fearful and awful death faced Jesus. He sympathized with the poet of old who felt forsaken by God. Yet, as the words of Psalm 22 appeared to Jesus’ memory, he grasped the comfort that God brought to this moment’s pain.
“Though no father seem to hear, though no light our spirits cheer, may we know that God is near: Hear us, holy Jesus.
From the dark night of our souls, Jesus invites us to open our eyes and see the LIGHT. You will, when you pray the entire Psalm with Jesus (Matthew 27:46).
The fourth Gospel tells us that Jesus cried out in thirst (John 19:28). Not simply the hot desert sun, or the draining emotion of the moment, but rather a thirst to embrace us in his love comes from his lips. Here is no thirst that wine will quench. Its only relief is that we know we have never been loved so much.
“May we thirst thy love to know; lead us in our sin and woe where the healing waters flow; hear us, holy Jesus.”
“It’s done,” he says, completed at last. Sins are forgiven; we’re free, home FREE AT LAST. It is finished; we are reconciled to God forever and forever. Amen!
“Jesus all our ransom paid, all thy Father’s will obey, by thy sufferings perfect made; Hear us holy Jesus.”
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. His cross is our key that opens heaven’s door to the banquet of heaven (John 19:30).
“Father, I place my life in your hands” (Luke 23:46). All is well, whether we live or die, with our life, our faith our trust, our hope in OUR FATHER’s hands. Jesus knew his heavenly father and has taught us to know and love him, too.
“May thy life and death supply grace to reach the home on high: Hear us, holy Jesus.”
May we be found listening and watching at the foot of Jesus’ cross, taking to heart and life the gift our father-God has for us. Jesus brings us our father’s love so we may share his eternal life. Listen to his words; he’s speaking to us.
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Bible verses are taken from The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson. Poetic quotations are from Hymns 180-186 of The Lutheran Hymnal, Thomas B. Pollock, 1870.