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Lesson about Seven Words from the Cross

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[ John 19:30 ]

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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The chief priests and elders have grabbed Jesus who was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The man who guided them to take Jesus was Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus. Judas Iscariot received 30 silver and led them to where Jesus was and sold Jesus.

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The high priests and elders prepared the false witnesses and made the sin of Jesus. In order to kill Jesus most cruelly, they went to governor Pilate. They threatened Pilate to violate Jesus and let him be crucified.

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Jesus was severely beaten without any sin. He was crucified on Golgotha Hill, which means skull. The crucifix was built high with both hands and feet of Jesus.

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It was not because of his sin that the Son of Jesus suffered on the cross. He took all our sins according to God's will to save us and suffered on the cross instead of us.

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Jesus gave us the words in the midst of the suffering of the cross.

He gave us seven words, which we call “The Seven Words from the Cross.”

We all want to learn the lessons of Jesus' words in pain and words.

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The Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus were drawing lots under each other to have Jesus' clothes under each other.

Jesus on the cross first said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34]

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Jesus prayed for forgiveness not only of the soldiers who crucified Him but also of those who tried to kill Him. Jesus did not hate the humans who killed him but showed true love.

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There were two prisoners sentenced to death by the side of Jesus crucified.

One of them insulted Jesus. “Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us.”

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But the other rebuked the prisoner. “We are punished for what we have done, but this is nothing wrong with him.” And he told Jesus with all his heart. “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”

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Jesus, who listened to this prisoner, gave him a wonderful grace.

The answer you gave is the second word.

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43]

Jesus saved one person to go to heaven even in those last moments.

He did the work of saving the soul in pain.

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Under Jesus 'crucifixion were Jesus' mother, Mary, women, and his disciple John.

In the third word, Jesus asked John to leave his mother alone.

『When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple,

“Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.』 (John 19:26~27)

Jesus did his filial piety to the mother who would be left alone, following God's commandment, “Honor your parents.”

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Fourth, Jesus cried out to God “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani”.

It says, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It means. In order to forgive our sins, Jesus had to suffer until death. Although he was the Son of God, he endured the great pain of being cut off from God by death.

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In the fifth word, Jesus fulfilled the biblical prophecy by saying, “I am thirsty.”

God foretold in the Old Testament words of Psalm 69:21 that God's salvation can only be obtained from Jesus on the cross. The Savior Jesus felt thirsty for the lost souls, even in the pain of the cross.

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The Roman soldier brought Jesus a sponge soaked in red wine in his mouth. After receiving the wine, Jesus left the sixth word: “It is finished.” This means that Jesus accomplished all that God intended. He, the God, directly declared that the purpose of coming to earth was fulfilled.

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Just before his breath, Jesus entrusted his soul to God and spoke aloud the last seventh word. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” [Luke 23:46]

After saying this, Jesus died. He forgave us all of our great sins at the expense of his life. In this way, Jesus completely fulfilled God's will for this world on the cross.

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Jesus fulfilled the will of God, who sent Him to earth, even in the midst of the severe suffering of the cross. In those last moments, he forgave people's sins and saved a soul.

  Remember today's ‘Seven Words from the Cross’, and ponder the meaning of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. We who believe in Jesus and become children of God must strive to be like Jesus. Let us practice love with Him, thanking Jesus for the grace of salvation. And I should be a people of faith who strive to fulfill God's will for me completely.

(This is the sample conclusion provided by CTM. Please feel free to change the conclusion to best suit the listeners of your sermon.)