*The Seven last words of Jesus on the Cross*
- FATHER FORGIVE THEM
The Holy Week is here and I thought we would reflect on the last words of Jesus on the Cross. The last words of a dying person must always be taken seriously. Let me share with you my story. I was born in a family of 11 siblings all by the same father and same mother, and I am the 11th. A complete football team. I was raised a spoilt child-my father's 'blue eyed boy' and arguably, my mother's favorite child.
Moments before my mother succumbed to cardiac failure at Mulago Hospital, on her death-bed, she told members of the family who were surrounding her, two things:
Firstly, she wanted to go back home to Kabale (400 Kilometers West of Uganda) to see her child (Onesimus). Secondly and lastly, she said; "Whoever wants to see me again should get saved" and then she breathed her last.
Number Seven (7) was considered 'Divinely perfect' (completeness) by ancient Hebrews. Number 7 appears many times in the Bible. Jesus described Himself using the Seven I am sayings in the Gospel of John. (We will look at each of them in future-the Lord willing)
The first 'word' Jesus said on the Cross were; "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing". Luke 23:34 (NIV) Wow!
As soon as Jesus was fastened to the Cross (between two criminals), He prayed for those who crucified Him. Forgive the Roman persecutors? Forgive the cruel soldiers who have just nailed Him to the Cross?
A prayer of absolute unselfishness. Jesus was more concerned for the people who were responsible for crucifying Him and asked the Father to forgive them than thinking of Himself and His own needs. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Three lessons drawn from this intercession:
1- The love of God for fallen humanity.
2-This shows the primary mission for His death was to purchase and procure for us forgiveness of sin.
3- Jesus forgave unconditionally.
A story is told that back in the days when Germany was divided , a huge wall separated East and West Berlin. One day, some people in East Berlin took a truck load of garbage and dumped it on the West Berlin side.
The people of West Berlin could have done the same thing, but they did not. Instead, they took a truck load of canned goods; bread, milk and other provisions and neatly stacked it on the East Berlin side.
On top of this stack was placed the sign “ Each gives what he has.“
Is the Holy Spirit showing you someone who hurt you that you need to forgive? Remember, each one gives what he/she has.
To be continued…