From birth, God’s presence was a consistent element in Jesus’ life and earthly ministry. At each moment, in every location, in all hours of the day, God was there.
Jesus also did His best to maintain a connection to His Father at all times. He was not deterred by the separation caused when He put on the cloak of humanity. Though He was God the Son, in flesh form, Jesus still relied heavily on the Father.
His great love for us overpowered His personal anguish.
In moments of distress, our first plea is often for rescue. We just want it to stop! We would take, say, do, give, even pay anything to numb the pain and escape from our source of trouble.
Jesus was not exempt from pain while on earth. Except that this time, we were the source of His trouble. Our sin activated the need for salvation. The only One able to save us; the only spotless, unblemished sacrificial offering was Jesus.
Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46 NLT)
During those dark hours on the cross, Jesus was still about the Father’s business. How He pushed aside excruciating agony to take care of others in His final moments is mind-blowing. Jesus’ time on the cross teaches us that with God, truly all things are possible.
Those who hurt us most, even when pushed to the brink of death? They can be forgiven.
Arranging care for our dearest loved ones? We can encourage them to love again.
Giving a word of hope when our present seems hopeless? God can speak through us.
Not feeling any peace? We can trust that God is still with us.
Because His love never fails, we can trust God to handle our lives with care.
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This concludes the seven last sayings of Jesus. This series was designed to help us reflect on our choices and our commitment to living as followers of Christ.
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Sabrina Jacques-Rowe
Communications Leader
Henderson Highway Church