Sermon Series | March 2-April 20, 2025
As we begin this Lenten season, we focus on the Seven Words from the Cross—the final words Jesus spoke during His crucifixion. Each word reveals something profound about His mission, heart, and the meaning of His sacrifice. These words are not merely historical details; they are a window into the depth of God’s love and an invitation to respond.
Seven Words From The Cross
These final words from Jesus are not random—they are a culmination of everything He came to accomplish. They reveal the fullness of His character, the depth of His suffering, and the scope of His mission. Each word speaks to a different dimension of the gospel, connecting Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment and pointing us to the heart of God’s redemptive plan.
- Forgiveness (“Father, forgive them”) –
Jesus offers grace to those who wrong Him, showing us the radical nature of divine mercy. - Salvation (“Today you will be with me in paradise.”) – Even in His suffering, Jesus extends eternal life to
a repentant sinner. - Care and Compassion (“Woman, behold your son!”) –
Jesus cares for His earthly mother, modeling how we are called to love one another. - Substitution (“Why have you forsaken me?”) –
Jesus takes on the full weight of sin, so we might
never be forsaken. - Humanity and Fulfillment (“I thirst.”) –
Jesus fulfills Scripture while experiencing the depths
of human suffering. - Victory (“It is finished.”) –
Jesus declares the completion of God’s plan of salvation. - Surrender (“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”) – Jesus entrusts Himself to the Father,
modeling perfect faith.
Each of these words connects to key Old Testament themes—prophecy, covenant, sacrifice, and victory—showing how Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise.
Lent: A Season of “Bright Sadness”
For centuries, Christians have called Lent a season of “bright sadness.” It is a time to hold together both sorrow and hope, suffering and joy. Lent reflects the paradox of the gospel; we are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10). Embrace the picture and pattern of Lent. We can be sorrowful because we are reminded of the cost of our sins. We can experience rejoicing because we know the victory has been won.
Just as springtime brings both the memory of winter and the promise of new life, Lent invites us into that tension. We meditate on brokenness but long for restoration. We confront our need for grace and rejoice in God’s provision. We look to the cross but anticipate the resurrection.