Many of us know the pain of abandonment and rejection. Yet Jesus Himself faced the silence of God in a way we cannot fully understand. Pastor Lutzer contemplates the amazing love of God at the most excruciating moment in all of time. How could Jesus’ death in our place accomplish God’s plan of reconciliation?
All the members of the Trinity were involved in the death of Christ on the cross. When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?,” it revealed a dramatic mystery. Pastor Lutzer reflects on the wonder of the darkness and the question itself. What happened when the Father turned His back on the Son?
Last words are important, especially from loved ones. When Jesus looked upon His mother, Mary, in compassion He gave instructions about her future. Pastor Lutzer pictures that poignant moment between the Son of God and the mother of Jesus. What if our proximity to the cross clarified our God-given assignment?
When we face death, and we all will, we want to be assured that we’ve placed our confidence in something durable. Jesus was crucified between two thieves, one who cursed Him and one who cried out for help. Pastor Lutzer reflects on the nature of Jesus’ promises to this man in the last hours of his life. Did the thief doubt that Jesus’ promise would be made good?
Jesus’ executioners didn’t know the enormity of their crime against Him. But Jesus offered up a prayer of forgiveness for them to the Father. Pastor Lutzer discusses the extent to which Jesus’ prayer was answered. Since Jesus didn’t revile in return, how should we forgive those who commit outrageous sins against us?