Words from the Cross: Jesus to His Mother, the Thief & His Father
Scripture: Luke 23:34, 43 & 46
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
John 19:26-28 & 30
26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”
30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Mark 15:34
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Prayer: Cornelius Plantinga, 1946-
O God, your people give you hearty thanks for your matchless grace…Rescuer of the shamed, you reach into human pits to lift the fallen. We sink into addiction, and you come to heal. We sink into folly, and you come to correct. We sink into corruption, and you come to sanctify. Refuge of all who suffer, we look for shelter in the shadow of your wings. Rain and hail and wind beat on your wings, but they do not fold. They are spread like Jesus’s arms on the cross, spread out to protect all who seek shelter beneath them. O God, wondrous in love for sinners, we give you thanks for your saving grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
