“Father, forgive them” is where we begin. Forgiveness is a big area and one Jesus taught a great deal about. One of the things you will notice about these sayings is that Jesus is not focused on Himself, but on the needs of other. Jesus is asking God, the Father to forgive those who are crucifying Him for they did not realize they were crucifying the Son of God and Savior of mankind. Most will find it difficult to forgive others when harm has been done to them. But, this is exactly what Jesus has done. Also, Jesus taught if you do not forgive your brother, God will not forgive you. Everyone needs forgiveness.
Second, Jesus says, “Behold, your mother” to John and to Mary “Behold your son”. Jesus doing this shows how important family was to Him. He knew His mother, Mary, would have a difficult time with His death, not fully understanding what was taking place. Since, Jesus could not take care of Mary in the ordinary way He gave the responsibility to John, the beloved apostle. History shows John did do this.
Thirdly, “I thirst” were the next words spoken. Once Jesus had been put on the cross the soldiers offered Him wine mixed with gall, but Jesus refused it. The reason is the gall was actually a poison which dulls the pain but not the suffering and the soldiers wanted to prolong His death. Jesus was giving His life for us therefore He did not want anything to dull the pain so that mankind would realize the full cost of their sins. Later, when Jesus asked for a drink they gave Him sour vinegar wine for the water in Jerusalem was not safe to drink. It is interesting how Jesus started His ministry hungry and ends it with being thirst. Remember, Jesus had taught He was the living water and those who partake of this water would be satisfied eternally. Examining this statement closely, in relation to other Scriptures, it shows us Jesus was fully human and fully divine at the same time.
Fourthly, Jesus cried out “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” brings home what Jesus went through as He was crucified in our place. God, the Father could not look upon sin and therefore, turned His back on Jesus while He was dying on the cross. We really cannot fathom the full extent of Jesus’ suffering. The sins of the whole world from all ages were laid upon His shoulders. He gave all for us, the perfect sacrifice.
Fifth, Jesus spoke to the thief “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise” reveals He was still in control. This thief had mocked Jesus in the beginning as the crowd and the other thief were doing. But, he had a change of heart. Knowing he was dying because of his own sin and Jesus was innocent he simply asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus did more then this when He spoke these words. This immediately tells us there is life beyond the grave. In fact, physical death is only transmitting us into the next stage. Remember, Jesus could forgive sins before His death and resurrection and therefore, there was no need for the thief to be baptized. Also, it tells us there is no waiting to be with Jesus when we died physically. To be with Jesus is the goal of every Christian.
Sixth, Jesus knowing everything was completed said “It is finished”. Jesus had fulfilled every prophecy from the Old Testament. He had fulfilled what God required for mankind to be cleansed of their sins. Now, it is in the hands of mankind for it becomes each individual’s responsibility. All who accept and make Jesus their Lord and Savior, as the Scripture teaches, will have their sins forgiven and will be received into heaven. Those who reject Him will be cast into Hell. It is all up to the individual.
Finally, Jesus spoke “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit”. Jesus had come from the Father and now He was returning. Jesus had been obedient throughout His whole life. Now, salvation is provided for all. What will you do with Jesus? THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY FOR YOUR ETERNITY DEPONDS ON YOUR DECISION!!!