Jots and Tittles and other Random Things

On the Cross - Jesus' Words - for Take Up Your Cross

prayer prompt
Pray for depth of community in your church.

Blog prompt
What can we learn from Christ's words while he was on the cross?



Luke 23:34-46 TPT
While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, he prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified him, gambled over his clothing. A great crowd gathered to watch what was happening. The religious leaders sneered at Jesus and mocked him, saying, “Look at this man! What kind of ‘chosen Messiah’ is this? He pretended to save others, but he can’t even save himself!” The soldiers joined in the mockery, offering Jesus a drink of vinegar. Over Jesus’ head on the cross was written an inscription in Greek, Latin, and Aramaic: “This man is the king of all the Jews.” And all the soldiers laughed and scoffed at him, saying, “Hey! If you’re the king of Jews, why don’t you save yourself?” One of the criminals hanging on the cross next to Jesus kept ridiculing him, saying, “What kind of Messiah are you? Save yourself and save us from this death!” The criminal hanging on the other cross rebuked the man, saying, “Don’t you fear God? You’re about to die! We deserve to be condemned. We’re just being repaid for what we’ve done. But this man—he’s done nothing wrong!” Then he said, “I beg of you, Jesus, show me grace and take me with you into your everlasting kingdom!” Jesus responded, “I promise you—this very day you will enter paradise with me.” It was now only midday, yet the whole world became dark for three hours as the light of the sun faded away. And suddenly in the temple the thick veil hanging in the Holy Place was ripped in two! Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, I surrender my Spirit into your hands.” And he took his last breath and died.


Three prayers on the cross: "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34) "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34) "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46)


What I take from these passages is this:

Jesus had already asked God to forgive those that were crucifying Him, as they were still blind to Jesus' meaning for them.

Even at death's door, one can ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. (I don't recommend this, but sometimes, it is the only way that people accept Jesus.)

Even Jesus felt forsaken by God, as the sins of the world were cast upon Him. It was necessary for Jesus to feel that torment, for our sakes - what love He bestowed on us even before we called upon Him.

It is finished. The price of death for sin was paid. "Father, I surrender my Spirit into Your hands" - He left to go to the Father. A promise that we too, can claim at the end of this life, if we trust in God and Jesus' sacrifice for us.

This is what I get from this.