Sermon on seven sayings from the cross
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect on the seven sayings from the cross, spoken by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He hung on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins. These seven sayings are powerful reminders of the love, forgiveness, and redemption that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.
The first saying from the cross is "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." In this moment of excruciating pain and suffering, Jesus shows us the ultimate example of forgiveness. Despite the cruelty and injustice He faced, Jesus chose to forgive those who were crucifying Him. This teaches us the importance of extending forgiveness to others, even in the face of great adversity.
The second saying from the cross is "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Jesus spoke these words to the criminal who was crucified beside Him, who acknowledged his own sinfulness and asked for Jesus' mercy. This reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed from God, it is never too late to turn to Him in repentance and receive His grace.
The third saying from the cross is "Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother." In this moment, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother Mary to the disciple John, demonstrating His love and concern for those closest to Him. This teaches us the importance of caring for one another and forming a community of love and support.
The fourth saying from the cross is "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" In this moment of deep anguish, Jesus experienced the full weight of separation from God as He bore the sins of the world. This reminds us of the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the extent of His love for us.
The fifth saying from the cross is "I am thirsty." In His physical suffering, Jesus expressed His human need for sustenance. This reminds us that Jesus fully experienced the pain and suffering of humanity, and that He understands our physical and emotional needs.
The sixth saying from the cross is "It is finished." With these words, Jesus declared that His work of redemption was complete. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins and opened the way for us to be reconciled to God. This reminds us of the power and finality of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.
The seventh saying from the cross is "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." In His final moments, Jesus surrendered His life into the hands of His Heavenly Father, trusting in His divine plan. This teaches us the importance of surrendering our lives to God and placing our trust in His providence.
As we reflect on these seven sayings from the cross, let us be reminded of the depth of Jesus' love for us and the incredible sacrifice He made on our behalf. May we strive to follow His example of forgiveness, love, and surrender, and may we always remember the power of His resurrection and the hope it brings to all who believe. Amen.
Above is Sermon on seven sayings from the cross.