A GOOD MONDAY STORYLINE
OF THE SEVEN FINAL WORDS OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS
.1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a)
Jesus announcing God’s desire that mankind be spared from the everlasting death due sin
[the “Why” of Jesus’ coming]
2. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus disclosing the destination to which the life-giving path blazed by God through Him leads
[the “Where” to which Jesus’ coming goes]
3. “Dear woman, here is your son” (John 19:26); “Here is your mother.” (John 19:27)
Jesus summarizing His legacy to the world as being one of life-giving, loving service to one another
[the “What” that Jesus’ coming generates]
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Jesus taking upon Himself for the sake of all mankind, God’s wrath due sin that no other person could ever bear up under
[the “How” by which Jesus’ coming removes death from life]
5. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
Jesus confessing the unquenchable dryness of soul that occurs in separation from God
[the “Who” Jesus’ coming reveals as being the only One able to give and sustain life]
6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Jesus acknowledging that the Father’s perfect care of the world is fulfilled in and through Him
[the “culmination” of the manifestation of God’s loving-goodness seen in Jesus’ coming]
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
Jesus cementing eternally right Familial relationship in Him, by His giving of Himself to His Father forever
[the “conclusion” of Jesus’ coming: eternal right order establishing unending peace]
.
Synopsis: Father… God… Father…
Jesus the Son… went obediently to the Cross in awareness of the Father’s good and loving Presence.
Jesus the man… suffered in isolation in bearing the sin that separated mankind from God’s righteousness.
Jesus the Son… spared God-given life with His own to remain perfectly united with the Father forever.
Cathy Scott, Easter Monday, 2015