THE KING’S WORDS ON THE CROSS

“And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS” – Luke 23:38

On this Good Friday, it’s apt to meditate on the KING’S WORDS on the CROSS: “And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Lk.23:38). Christ Jesus was more than the King of the Jews. He is the King of the Universe who became the obedient Servant, even unto death, to redeem humanity (Phil.2:8). Let’s reflect on seven of the King’s Words on the Cross, as recorded in the Gospel stories:

First Word: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk.23:34b). What matchless forgiveness! The priests and Pilate sentenced Him. The soldiers mocked, scourged, tortured, and nailed Him to the cross. His Apostles and companions deserted Him. Peter denied Him thrice. The fickle crowd who only days before praised Him on entering Jerusalem, now demanded His crucifixion! Yet, at the height of physical suffering, His love prevailed and He asked the Father to forgive us all! Ironically, it is by His very Sacrifice on the cross that humankind is able to be forgiven!

Second Word: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Lk.23:43). One of the criminals beside Jesus also mocked Him; but the one on the right spoke up for Jesus. Then, turning to Him, he pleaded: “Lord, remember me when You come in Your Kingdom" (v.42). Ignoring His own suffering, Jesus released Mercy through another word of forgiveness. He showed His Divinity by opening heaven for a repentant sinner – such generosity to a man that only requested to be remembered! This is great hope for salvation of all who truly repent (Jh.12:32).

Third Word: “…He said to His mother: “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple: “Behold your mother!” (Jh.19:26b-27). A sword must have pierced Mary’s heart watching her Son hanging on the cross (Lk. 2:35). Jesus and Mary were together at the inception of His ministry in Cana (Jh.2:1-11). And now at the end. In both scenes, He referred to His mother as woman, recalling the woman in Genesis 3:15 and anticipating the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12.

Fourth Word: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt. 27:46b; Mk. 15:34b). This heart cry bore an anguished tone in contrast to the first three words. The burden of all sins for a moment overwhelmed His humanity. He must have felt deserted by His Father and the Holy Spirit. All alone, He faced death by Himself, in the ninth hour, after three hours of darkness, in fulfilment of Messianic prophecies of the Suffering Servant (Psa. 22, Isa.53:12, Mk.15:28).

Fifth Word: “I thirst” (Jh.19:28). Now in shock, the wounds inflicted upon Him in the scourging, the crowning with thorns, and losing blood on the long, torturing walk, and the nailing on the cross took their toll. Recalling John 4:13-14, it’s clear that Jesus thirsted physically and spiritually, for the love of His Father, who left Him unaided during this dreadful hour. He still thirsts for the love and salvation of the human race – You and I!

Sixth Word: “He said, "It is finished;" and He bowed His head and handed over the spirit” (Jh.19:30). John’s account of the passion of Jesus display His Kingship: “Behold the King!” (Jh.19:14). Jesus directed the action all the way. “It is finished” carries a sense of accomplishment. He remained in control to the end, and when He died, He “handed over” the Spirit (Jh.10:18). The sacrifice of the Passover Lamb was finished (1Cor.5:7). His suffering was over; His task was done; and humanity’s darkest day would soon become the brightest day!

Seventh Word: “Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit” (Lk. 23:46). The last Word was to the Father in heaven. It recalls Psalm 31:5 – “Into Your hand I commend my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” Jesus fulfilled His mission and the Father’s eternal Purpose on the Cross, obedient to His Father to the end!