This month
we’ve been talking a lot about Jesus and the world tends to remember Him a
little bit more than the rest of the year (except for Christmas). And as we
take this Holy Week to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ did on the
cross for our sins, let us never forget that He not only died but resurrected
on the third day. Jesus is ALIVE! That is why we do not only celebrate Him on
this memorable week but we celebrate Jesus every single day because He lives!
Last week, I
started a series in our young adults small group on the last Seven Words Jesus said on the cross before His
death. And I would like to share a brief thought with you so when you listen to
them on Good Friday, you can have a clear perspective of these words and how
you can apply them to your life. These words are powerful and they are at our
disposal, two thousand years later!
1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:24)
There is a promise of forgiveness for you and to others! If Jesus forgave, we can forgive.
2. Jesus said to the thief who was also crucified, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
No matter what situation we may find ourselves in, there is always an opportunity in the midst of our trials. There is purpose in pain. The Bible says that for those who love God ALL things work out for good. Sometimes bad things happen but then we will see God turn it around for His glory. We are not only called to forgive but also to present the Opportunity to others to go to heaven as we were one day presented that same opportunity. Jesus died for all of humanity.
There is a promise of heaven. If Jesus extended the opportunity to a thief, who was a sinner; we too, can extend the opportunity not only to our friends and family but also to strangers and enemies.
3. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear 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)
There is a promise of family. If your family has abandoned or rejected you, Jesus will accept you with open arms. In our Father’s house there are many rooms available and there is one reserved for those who are willing to come to His house.
4. Matthew 27:46 records Jesus’ loud cry on the cross, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
These words from Jesus tell us that whatever we’re going through, God is aware of your pain. And if He chose to, He could have changed the outcome. Therefore, direct your questions to God, but know that you can trust His goodness and righteousness. We see only a day at a time. God sees the whole picture. He will do what is good and right in your life.
5. ’I am thirsty.’" (John 19:28)
To confess need, weakness or injury opens up our heart for God to heal. Resentment and anger says, "I’ll get even," or "God doesn’t care." But a hopeful and trusting person confesses his need and weakness to God.
6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)
If you belong to Jesus, you will have the resources and resolve to deal with the trials in your life. Tough times are temporary; God’s people are eternal. Most people give into circumstances or temptations, not because they lack resources, but because they lack resolve; they gave up too soon. We can finish and finish well.
7. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ’Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)
We have not lost if we know in Whose hands we are held. Whether stripped of our possessions, reputation, physical or mental health, we need not be anxious, because our lives are not like dry leaves, blown and tossed by the wind. We are lovingly and eternally held in our Father’s hands.
These final words of Jesus offer eternal confidence and eternal relationship. There is the promise of forgiveness, the promise of Heaven, the promise of family, the promise of God’s watchfulness, the promise of resources and resolve, and the promise of God’s sovereign care.
Earlier today, I sent out text messages to a few people asking a simple question and here are a some responses.
Question: What does Jesus mean to you?
- Powerful and Merciful Savior which
knows no boundaries. –Maribel Gomez
- Freedom. He doesn’t judge us like
everyone else does and He’s someone I can completely trust my heart to Him
without worry of Him betraying me. –Tatiana Maldonado
- Jesus is my safe haven. The person I know
I can go to regardless of what I have done or what I think. He is my definition
of what true love is. He is the lover of my heart and healer of my soul. –Wendy
Ureña
- Jesus is NEEDED. There is no life, grace or way-without Him; only through Him. -Kenia Y. Perez-Ayala
- Jesus is my hero! The perfect role
model, the savior of the world, defier of death, and the person I want to most
please. He is my everything! I am so glad that I met Him and serve Him. –Rosa Dorado
- Jesus is who I live for. He is my
anchor when I’m in my most troubling days and the person I look up to whenever I
have to make a moral decision. I ask myself, what would Jesus do? But most of
all, He is my redeemer and He LIVES! –Daniel Ospina
- Jesus means LIFE to me. If it weren’t
for Him believing in me more than I could believe in myself I wouldn’t be who I
am today. I'm not where I would like to be but I am here! –Sasha Castillo
- Jesus means EVERYTHING to me. From
His love all the way to His grace and mercy. He means so much to me that He
allows me to take advantage of His amazing love and forgiveness. How…? He’s the
only one that can truly give me a 2nd chance, a 3rd
chance, a 4th chance and so on and on and on… He forgives me beyond any
end. He loves me beyond measures and this is why He’s everything to me. –Johanna
Diaz
Remember
Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for you. Allow Him to do an
extraordinary work in your life!
Be
Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy
Perez-Feliciano ♥
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