LAST SERMON

Luke 23:35 ³⁵ And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Bless His bleeding heart. He began this sermon with forgiveness of those who have sinned against Him. This is an intercession of charity that has forever been unmatched in human history. It was the major opening theme of all who met Him and spoke the good news to those who would listen and it is the heart of the pulpit message to this day.

“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Now that’s what I call an assurance of salvation. Note that the thief never even looked at a Bible, he didn’t attend a church service, he never experienced an immersion baptism nor did he have any outstanding gifts nor display any signs and wonders.

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

The only thing we can take with us to heaven is our family. What greater love can a son have but to love and care for the mother that gave him life. There is something special in a son’s love for his mother.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?”

I can answer that: so that He would never leave nor forsake us. How horrible that the Godhead was ripped apart in the black night of mid-day. God turned His back on His Son and let the full weight of all hell’s sin crush the life out of Him.

“It is finished!”

Yes but it is not done. We still have time to go about the Father’s business. The full understanding of this dropped me to my knees to accept His forgiveness and it is as new, profound and fresh today as it was then.

“I thirst.” “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

He wet His parched lips to announce His homecoming! Having said and done all that the Word prophesied. It was time to go home. He was the second Adam but the first-born to everlasting glory and when our duty here on earth is complete, we will join Him and all the saints that have passed before us. Won’t that be quite a party!