The Last Words Jesus Spoke from the Cross
September 11, 2022 · 2:24:18 · Watch on YouTube ↗
These notes - summary, key points, and highlighted thoughts - were generated by AI from the recording and are not the preacher’s exact words.
Summary
The congregation gathers around the Lord's Supper to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:24). The preacher walks slowly through the final sayings Jesus spoke while hanging on the cross, reminding us that every single word cost Him great pain, so each one carries real weight for our lives.
"Father, forgive them" shows Jesus interceding for the very people crucifying Him, a call for us to genuinely forgive even those who wrong us, as Stephen did (Acts 7; Matthew 5:44). To the dying thief He promised, "Today you will be with me in paradise," proving that salvation comes through faith in Christ rather than through deeds, baptism, or church membership. By entrusting His mother to John (John 19:26) He shows that God does not overlook the small, ordinary needs of our lives and often meets them through His church. And the cry "My God, why have You forsaken Me?" reveals that Christ bore the sin of the world and the separation of hell so that we could be reconciled to God.
After sharing communion, a closing word urges believers not to despise the value of fellowship, service, and prayer. We are called to fight our spiritual battles in prayer, even praying ahead of trouble, and to come boldly to Christ with our needs instead of believing the enemy's lie that it is not worth it.
Key Points
- Forgive as Christ did: pray for and release those who wrong you, even your enemies (Matthew 5:44; Acts 7)
- Salvation comes by faith in Jesus, not by works, baptism, or church membership, as the thief discovered in his final hour
- God does not overlook the small, everyday needs of our lives, and He often meets them through His church
- Closeness to Jesus, like John the beloved disciple, shapes the mission He entrusts to us
- On the cross Christ was forsaken by the Father, bearing our sin so that we could be reconciled to God
- Communion is not merely bread and wine but a real encounter with the power of Christ's body and blood
- Prayer is spiritual warfare: come boldly to God, even before trouble strikes, and refuse the enemy's lie that it is pointless
Devotional
When you come to the table to remember the cross, look honestly at your own weakness, then turn your eyes to Christ who gave Himself freely for you. His last words still speak today: forgive the one who wronged you, trust Him for a salvation you could never earn, and bring even your smallest need to Him. He was forsaken so that you would never have to be. Do not let the enemy convince you it is not worth it - draw near, receive His blood and His grace, and let them make you new.
Salvation does not depend on us. We only repent and confess our need, but Jesus is the one who answers, today you will be with me in paradise.
Christ was forsaken on the cross so that we could be brought near and reconciled to God.
Jesus went to the cross so that I would never have to go there.
