Discipleship Training by Heather ComptonWeek 14
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Read Matthew 27, Luke 23, John 19, and Mark 15
In this lesson, we will look at the crucifixion of Jesus and what we can learn from Him. He was 100% man and 100% God. He lived on earth as a man and had to deal with every emotion we deal with. Could He have chosen to be angry? Yes, but He didn't! Could He have chosen to quit? Yes, but He didn't! We could go on and on about what He could have done, but let's just spend our time focused on what He DID do! I want to focus on what He said while on the cross. Remember, our words are very important. He understood this principle!
“Father forgive them; they know not what they do!” This is what He chose to say right after He was wrongly convicted, beaten to a pulp, mocked, and hung on the cross. Most of us are ready to fight over a bad social media post or comment. This statement is about being able to instantly forgive people who had done so much wrong. He understood that unforgiveness is a sin and will keep you out of heaven. He couldn't even let it take root in His life (and neither can you). He forgave them the first moment He could.
“Today, you will be with me in Paradise!” In the midst of His darkest hour, He was still doing His father’s business. He leads this man to salvation. Life can get messy and hard, and in those moments, we tend to only look inward. Technically we should always be looking outward. Who can I help today? Who needs to hear the Good News today? May we never allow our circumstances to keep us from reaching the lost.
“Woman, behold your son.” and “Here is your mother.” This was a statement to John and Mary. At this point, I believe He proves how selfless He is. He is still helping others. The law required the firstborn to take care of the parents. Jesus made sure His mom would be taken care of. He was making sure He was still good in the eyes of God! I also believe He knew John would need the love only Mary could give.
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Beyond the physical pain inflicted on Him by the torture and the cross, the worst part was all the sin, sickness, and trouble of the world coming on Him. At this point, God had to turn away. Jesus could feel the separation. He was in constant fellowship with the Father, and at this point, communication was lost. What a hopeless feeling. Remember, this wasn't because God is mean and abandons His children. This is because when we sin, we create a barrier that keeps Him from us. He always desires to be close and in fellowship with us!
“I thirst!” I believe this is significant in proving He was still human and was in agony. He wasn't dying as GOD. He was dying as a man and was feeling it all!
“It is finished!” He completed the work He came to do! Because He completed the work, we have free access to ALL God is. Because He completed the work, we have the promise of eternal life. Because He finished it all, we can have confidence that He is faithful and good. He will never fail me! Hallelujah!
“Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” Pastor Chuck Evaline mentioned this very powerful statement in a message a few weeks ago. This is possibly the greatest faith statement of the Bible. He felt the separation between Him and the Father. Yet, by faith, He still said, “Into your hands I commit my spirit!” He was saying, I can’t feel you but I still trust you. How many times have we felt abandoned by God? We feel all alone and don't see how we will make it. It is in those moments we must have faith that He hasn't failed me yet, and He isn't going to now!
Internal Reflection: What statement or example above is something you can learn from? How can His words and actions change you?
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Memory Verse: (take time to memorize) John 15:12
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you!
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