Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in paradise.
Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.
I thirst.
It is finished.
Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit.
Introduction
The seven words of Jesus from the cross have long been recognized as significant
by believers. They show us that even in this horrible death, he remained devoted
to the will of his Father, and compassionate toward sinners.
The seven words are apt for remembering him at his table,
for they show us his heart, at the end of his life. In them we hear:
Who we are being conformed to, and we learn the life of the flesh is ebbing away.
We understand more of what that means for us, and are made willing to entrust
our future to the Father as well.
The words from the cross call to us.
Only those born of God have ears to hear .
They show us the holy heart we have been joined to.
He is Risen, he will still our fears.
Following the final word is the text of the fourth servant song of Isaiah.
4/2/01 Wayne McDaniel
These meditations are dedicated to a man who,
while in his 30’s, taught me without words.
Jeff Lambert has entered into the life of his Savior.
Copyright 2001 Wayne McDaniel – unlimited permission to copy without altering text
or profiteering is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.