Bible:
Prelude:
Author John emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the sacrificial lamb of the Passover. Passover commemorates the story of Jewish ancestors (Hebrews) departure from ancient Egypt led by Moses. God brought death to the firstborn of the Egyptians.
However, the angels passed over without killing Hebrews who applied the blood of lambs to the entrance. Jesus was crucified during Passover.
Here are seven famous phrases that Jesus uttered before He died.
(1) Luke 23:34: "Father, I am the Son of God. Forgive them. They don't know what they are doing."
These are the words He said when He was crucified at 9:00 a.m.
One of the two sinners crucified with Jesus said, "Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" The other said, "Do you not fear God? Do you not fear God, even though you are undergoing the same punishment? We deserve it because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong," and when he asked, "Jesus, remember me when you go into your kingdom." Jesus' response was:
(2) Luke 23:43: "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am with you. You are with me today in Paradise."
(3) John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. He asked John to support Mary after his death. As promised, John took Mary in and took care of her.
(4) Matthew 27:46 "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)
(5) John 19:28 "I thirst."
This is believed to be a fulfillment of the Old Testament Psalm 42.
(6) John 19:30 "All is finished"
I want to focus on the sixth word of verse 30. The redemption for mankind was completed by Jesus on the cross. The prophecy is written in Isaiah 53.
Christ was born on earth and spent three and a half years of His public life amid many persecutions and trials.
Jesus attended to the sorrows and poverty of the people, performed miracles, healed them, and spoke of the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus' entire life was salvation through the cross. And since this work of salvation that Christ accomplished is "finished," there is nothing man or He has to add.
Why are there illnesses and wars in which people fight and kill each other! Do you think this means that Jesus' salvation is incomplete?
Some say: Pastor Megumi, please answer me! You Christians always say you are saved, but where is your salvation! This world is only getting worse and worse. If there is a God, shouldn't the problems have already been solved!
Honestly, I may not have an explanation that would satisfy such claims. As a pastor, I would like to devote myself to trying to help you understand as much as possible. However, the reality is that I may leave this world without an answer, although I may come to understand it little by little as I learn and grow.
One by one, the family members of those abducted by North Korea are passing away. I can imagine the sorrow and powerlessness that they must be going through. The granddaughter of an acquaintance of mine was abducted when she was in elementary school and is still missing. The family is in a state of grief.
I sometimes wonder if God is allowing this kind of absurdity to happen. When I think about the current situation in Ukraine, I feel so sad. It is unsettling.
Instead of asking why such a situation is happening, you ask me, "How will you live?" This is how I would answer.
Whatever misfortunes and trials may come my way, I do not doubt the perfect salvation and victory through Jesus' death on the cross on our behalf!
I will walk without losing hope, believing in the "presence of the living God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit," who loves all people of the human race, does His best for me without exception, and is there for me every day.
I share joy and sorrow with the people around me and do my best to create a better society. Even though we may not understand or there may not be an answer, you and I receive each day to make choices to do things better.
Postlude:
We are pleased to report that the information has been made public.
Thank you for your cooperation.