An Easter Reflection: The Sayings from the Cross

Sayings From the Cross
^{Arthur Walkington Pink, The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005)}

• The Word of Forgiveness
• The Word of Salvation
• The Word of Affection
• The Word of Anguish
• The Word of Suffering
• The Word of Victory
• The Word of Contentment

The Word of Forgiveness
Luke 23:34 – And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

1. Here we see the blindness of the human heart.
2. Here we see man’s great and primary need.
3. Here we see the triumph of redeeming love.

The Word of Salvation
Luke 23:43 – And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (ESV)

1. Here we see the meaning of repentance and faith.
2. Here we see a marvelous case of spiritual illumination.
3. Here we see the destination of the saved at death.

The Word of Affection
John 19:26–27 – [26] When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” [27] Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (ESV)

1. Here we see the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy. Luke 2:22-35
2. Here we see the perfect man setting an example for children to honor their parents.
3. Here we see the marvelous blending of Christ’s perfections.

The Word of Anguish
Matthew 27:45–46 – [45] Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. [46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (ESV)

1. Here we see the explanation of Gethsemane.
2. Here we may see the basis of our salvation.
3. Here we see the supreme evidence of Christ’s love for us.

The Word of Anguish
John 19:28 – After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” (ESV)

1. Here we have an evidence of Christ’s humanity.
2. Here we see the intensity of Christ’s sufferings.
3. Here we see how Christ can sympathize with His suffering people.

The Word of Victory
John 19:30 – When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (ESV)

1. Here we see the accomplished fulfillment of all the prophecies which had been written of Him and how He should die.
2. Here we see the completion of His sufferings.
3. Here we see the goal of the incarnation is reached.
4. Here we see the accomplishment of the Atonement.
5. Here we see the end of our sins.
6. Here we see the fulfillment of the Law’s requirements.
7. Here we see the destruction of Satan’s power.

The Word of Contentment
Luke 23:44–46 – [44] It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, [45] while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. [46] Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (ESV)

1. Here we see the Savior back again in communion with the Father.
2. Here we see the place of eternal security.
3. Here we see the heart’s true haven.