The journey is completed. What began on the Mount of Transfiguration is now finished on Mount Calvary. Jesus said many things on the journey. He had told His disciples on several occasions He would suffer, He would die, and on the third day He would rise again. He said many other important and significant things.
But little of what He said on the journey is as well known and meaningful as what He said from the cross. These are timeless words for us and for Christians down through the ages and around the world. From the cross, Jesus said
· "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34b). These words were spoken to the soldiers who crucified Him: they apply to all sinners.
· "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother" (John 19:26b-27a).
· "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43b). These are words of immeasurable comfort.
· "I am thirsty" (John 19:28b). Jesus is human until the end.
· "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46b). These are words of unbelievable anguish, cried out by Jesus while under the weight of the world's sin.
· "It is finished" (John 19:30b). Christ's mission, our salvation, is accomplished.
· "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" (Luke 23:46b).
At the end of Christ's journey, these are words that travel on through the ages, for our comfort.
THE PRAYER: We pray Your blessings, Lord, as we journey on with these words in our hearts and on our lips. Amen.
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