Perfect Vizion

Famous last words - by John Flanner


The last words of any person who has achieved greatness in his or her lifetime are generally regarded as being worthy of note, or even of major historical significance. Whether it be a great religious or political leader, musician, writer, actor, sportsmen or social reformer, their dying words are recorded for posterity and more often than not handed down as words of inspiration for succeeding generations of admirers to follow.

It follows therefore that the final words of the Lord Jesus Christ as he hung upon a cross almost 2,000 years ago dying for the sins of the whole world, are of supreme importance and relevance to our lives today.

Let us take a look then at the "famous last words" of Jesus and briefly see what lessons there are for us today.

SEVEN GREAT CRIES FROM THE CROSS

Jesus lived a life that was in perfect balance and in his dying too he exhibited that same unique order. There is a magnificent wholeness about Jesus' cries from the Cross, so we will examine them in a little more detail.

1. Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

If genuine love is the most powerful and positive force in the whole Universe then 'forgiveness' must run it a very close second. Jesus was able to call upon God to forgive his torturers. They were people he had created, loved and came to save, but they crucified him.

God would say to you today draw deeply upon the grace of God and freely forgive all who have hurt you. Whether they are dead or alive, from your heart forgive them and release them from the debt you feel they owe you. Release them in Jesus' name to find God for themselves and in so doing your heart will enter into more of the freedom and health that God has planned for you. Let Jesus be your inspiration and source of grace.

2. Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in paradise". (Luke 23:43)

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost; his whole life revolved around finding lost sheep and bringing them safely home. He wants to do that for you if you will let him. He also wants you to have a passion for the lost even to your dying day. Again open up your heart and ask Jesus to put his deep love for the lost into your heart.

3. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near he said to his mother "Woman, behold your son", then he said to the disciple "Behold your mother" and from that same hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27)

Jesus though he was always about his Heavenly Father's business was never so
busy that he forgot his family and friends. Even in his dying his heart went out to his mother and to his best friend. He saw and felt their pain and he encouraged them to be there for each other. As we are busy in the Lord's work let's remember those closest to us. They may need some words of encouragement, a kind act or even to be put on a prayer list.

4. Jesus said, "It is finished." (John 19:30)

This was the heartbeat of Jesus; he was fired with a passion for the salvation of the whole world. He took in his own body the sins of the whole human race and he defeated Satan. Jesus took sin and every accompanying vile curse to the Cross, he left it there and having paid the price he then went on and defeated our last enemy death itself. His mission was completed - no wonder he gave out an almighty victory shout. Now any person who chooses to be saved can be so by simply calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ the only one who has the authority to forgive sin.

It is up to you now to enquire of God in order to discover your mission or calling in life. If you do not you will not know if and when you have finished your race. Get into God in prayer, listen to his word and consult with your church leaders in order to find out what your mission is in life.

5. Jesus said, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Jesus knew the deep pain of rejection. Every foul sin, sickness and disease was laid upon him and his Father in Heaven had to turn away. It follows therefore that Jesus knows your pain too. He has been there in your moment of rejection. One time when Jesus was shamefully betrayed by a close friend, Judas Iscariot, we are told that in the same night in which he was betrayed Jesus took bread and wine and shared in a covenant meal with his friends. Learn a valuable lesson from our Saviour. Every time someone rejects or disappoints you, in the same hour, institute a loving response. Forgive them, pray for them, serve them in some kind way and in so doing you will remove the poisonous sting from out of your heart and release that person into the grace of God.

6. Jesus said, "I thirst".(John 19:28)

Jesus was genuinely thirsty, he had a need and he expressed it. In life too he was the same; he would say give me a drink, I am hungry, I have nowhere to lay my head, my feet need a wash etc. Expressing a need will make you vulnerable but it could also give someone else the privilege of serving you. It may also allow someone who is not yet a Christian to have a way into your life thereby helping to build a friendship.


7. Jesus cried out with a loud voice saying, "Father into your hands I commit my spirit" and having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)

Jesus knew where he was going in death and he also knew in whom he was putting his trust. Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if you were to die today that your soul would be saved and that you would be safe with Jesus, or as the Bible puts it "Absent from the Body and present with the Lord". It is great to have that assurance, Jesus did, so can you.

So let these famous last words of Jesus be immortalised in your heart and allow them to mightily impact upon the way you live and die.

Make room for Jesus in your heart, let him live big in you.


John Flanner
The King's Church, Solihull

Easter Sunday 16 April 2006