Statements Jesus made from the cross

• “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”

• “Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother”

• “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise”

• “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

• “I am thirsty”

• “It is finished”

• “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit”

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

• Was Jesus forsaken by His God?

• If so, why was He forsaken?

• If so, why would He ask, “why?”

• If not forsaken by His God, why make this statement?

A misunderstanding that results from:

1.Taking Jesus’ words at face-value

• Jesus asks, “Why have You forsaken Me?”

• We conclude He must have been in order to ask

• We supply the reason ‘why’ by concluding that:

a.Jesus took on the guilt of the world’s sin

b.Sin separates one from God

c.At the moment Jesus took on the guilt of our sin, God forsook Him, leading to the question asked

If such reasoning is true, it raises another question:Would not Jesus have known why He was forsaken by His Father?

1.If it was the plan before time began that:

• He would suffer the cruel death on the cross

• He would take on the guilt of the world’s sin

• Such guilt would force a separation from His Father

2. Why would He then ask, “Why is this happening?”

• Is something happening that He wasn’t expecting?

• Is He being surprised by something that was not part of the eternal plan?

Beyond the simple misunderstanding – the Calvinistic argument

MankindChrist’s

righteousness

The Bible teaches:

1. Our nature is changed

“…by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (II Pet 1:4)

The Bible teaches:

1. Our nature is changed

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I Jn 1:9)

2. Our sins are truly forgiven

The Bible teaches:

1. Our nature is changed

“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” (I Jn 3:7)

2. Our sins are truly forgiven3. We are viewed by God as possessing our

own righteousness (that which He bestows)

Beyond the simple misunderstanding – the Calvinistic argument

MankindChrist’s

righteousness

Guilt of the world’s sin

A big difference in viewing Jesus as a transgressor:

Because He was treated as such

Because He was guilty of such (our sins)

A big difference between Jesus bearing:

The punishment for sin

The guilt for sin

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. …for the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” (Isa 53:4-5, 8b)

“He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.(Isa 53:12b)

A misunderstanding that results from:

1.Taking Jesus’ words at face-value

2.Thinking Jesus was delusional

“’Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (I Pet 1:22-23)

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit”

A misunderstanding that results from:

1.Taking Jesus’ words at face-value

2.Thinking Jesus was delusional

3. Failing to consider the content of the Psalm from which Jesus quotes-- by quoting that first

line:• Jesus expresses for Himself the sentiments contained in the Psalm

• He brings the words of the Psalm to the attention of those observing His crucifixion

What would this Psalm call to the minds of those observing (mocking and ridiculing)?

“They pierced My hands and My feet” (Psa 22:16b)

What would this Psalm call to the minds of those observing (mocking and ridiculing)?

“Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ‘He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”(Matt 27:41, 43) “All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ‘He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!’”(Psa 22:7-8)

What would this Psalm call to the minds of those observing (mocking and ridiculing)?

“Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’” (Matt 27:35) “They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” (Psa 22:18)

What would this Psalm call to the minds of those observing (mocking and ridiculing)?

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

• Familiar language to the Psalmists

• “In light of present difficulties, I may appear to be forsaken”

• Goes on to express complete trust and confidence in God

“Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ Selah But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah” (Psa 3:1-4)

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed against him’; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psa 13:1-6)

Consider the words and sentiments of the Psalm:

• “You have answered Me” (v.21b)

• Praise to be given to God for salvation and deliverance (vv.22-26)

• The triumphant crescendo (vv.27-31)

For this deed, this act…

1.“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord”

2.“All the families of the nations shall worship before You…shall worship…and bow before You”

3.“It will be recounted of the Lord”Future generations will come and

declare His righteousness…

1.“That He has done this; that He has performed it; for He has done it”

2.It was planned, it was set it motion, and now, “He has done it!”