471 – The Seven Utterances of Jesus on the Cross

SEMESTER 5

471 – The Seven Utterances of Jesus on the Cross

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY V LESSON # 71
THE SEVEN UTTERANCES OF JESUS ON THE CROSS

Read Mat. 27:46-50, Mk. 15:33-37, Lk. 23:32-46 and Jn. 19:23-30. Also, read MAJOR BIBLE EVENTS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, lesson 24.

INTRODUCTION:

Usually, the words of a dying man, who is yet in control of his senses, are will worth consideration. Without any doubt, this is even more the case with the dying God-man. The profundity of these last seven sayings of Christ probably far outreaches full investigation. Only one is repeated, and that by Matthew and Mark. Luke and John each record three. Let’s try to examine the teaching of these seven last sayings, one at a time.

I. “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO” (LUKE 23:34)

1. If these benevolent words are erroneously viewed only as a benevolent saying, this may be construed as only:

i. A manifestation of His love and compassion for the wicked. (Acts 7:60)
ii. A simple expression of the terrible spiritual ignorance of natural man. (Acts 3:14-17)

2. It seems to me though that we also have here an intercessory prayer, thus we must see:

i. A prayer which, because of this sacrifice, must be and will be answered. (Jn. 17:7-12)
ii. Thus, it must also be particularly for some who shall indeed be forgiven. (Jn. 6:37-39)
iii. We may never assume that our Lord asked anything of the Father which was not to be granted. (Jn. 11:41-42)

II. “WOMAN BEHOLD THY SON … BEHOLD THY MOTHER” (JN. 19:26-27)

1. First, we see the widowhood (indeed) of Mary, for this is provision for a widow. Did she have other sons?
2. We see the Christian responsibility of children and kinsmen, just as in Judaism. (I Tim. 5:3,5,8)
3. Consider the widowhood indeed of Mary, in light of (Matt. 13:55) along with the apostles’ names and families. (Matt. 10:1-4, Gal. 1:19, Jude 1:1, Matt. 13:55)

III. TO-DAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE (LUKE 23:43)

1. These are words of forgiveness to a dying thief. (Luke 23:43)
2. These are words of comfort for a repentant sinner. (Matt. 27:44)
3. It is a promise to the truly repentant heart at any stage, including the death bed. (Rev. 22:17)

IV. I THIRST (JN. 19:28)

1. Herein we are assured that He suffered as a man. (Psa. 22:12-18)
2. We are yet shown His determination to suffer for us bearing our sins in His own body. (II Pet. 2:17-25)
3. He was also in His action an example for us. Let’s not over-assume our “human rights.” (I Pet. 2:20-21)

V. “ELI, ELI, LA’MA SA-BACH’-THA-NI” (MATT. 27:46, MK. 15:34)

1. The significance of this saying is implied by the fact that it is the only one repeated by two gospel writers.
2. He was forsaken by God, and abandoned to darkness, for He had become sin. (II Cor. 5:21, Isa. 53:10)
3. Never think this a wavering of faith as some foolish men assert, He was forsaken for us. (Hab. 1:12-13, Psa. 22:1-11)

VI. IT IS FINISHED (JN. 19:30)

1. Not that the work of salvation is finished, for it is perpetual. (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:33-39)
2. It is the oblation, the sacrifice, the suffering, the substitution. (Heb. 10:9-14)
3. He shall suffer no more but is entered into the heavens and is forever exalted. (Acts 2:23, Acts 2:32-36)

VII. INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT (LUKE 23:46)

1. He finished His work as the Son of Man, then obediently and voluntarily laid down His life. (Jn. 10:17,18)
2. In this death Christ was not defeated, any more than in His resurrec­tion, He rather defeated Satan. (Gen. 3:15)
3. We can know by His own words that He alone had power to will His Spirit into God’s hands. (Rev. 1:17-18)