The Last Acts of Jesus – Message 4
Series: The Cross of Jesus – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Today, we come to the final moments of Jesus on the cross. This last moment is filled with poignant truth.
John 19:28-30, Later, knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)
HIS MESSAGE TO THE STRUGGLER
“You can come to me.”
Earlier Jesus had turned down an offer of a drink—wine and myrrh (Mark 15:22-24).
Jesus refused to be numbed to the pain.
Jesus knew you would be weary, disturbed, and angry.
He knew you’d be sleepy, and hungry. He knew you would face pain. He wanted you to know that he understands.
Hebrews 4:15-16, Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help. (CEV)
James 1:5, He gives generously to all without finding fault. (NIV)
HIS MESSAGE TO THE DOUBTER
“You can believe in me.”
Jesus was concerned about the fulfillment of Scripture. He knew we would doubt….”Can I really believe he is who he claims to be?” He did not want the logic of our head to keep his love from our heart. There is a reoccurring reference to the Scriptures The betrayal by Judas was to fulfill the Scripture. (Jn. 13:18)
The gamble for his clothing fulfilled the Scripture. (Jn. 19:24)
His legs were not broken to fulfill Scripture. (Jn. 19:37)
His resurrection was a fulfillment of the Scriptures.
(Jn. 29:9) Mathematician, Dr. Peter Stoner, determined that the possibility of only 48 or the 332 Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled by one man is 1 in 10157! You don’t have to check your brain at the door in order to come into a relationship with Jesus.
HIS MESSAGE FOR THE SINNER
“You can trust me.”
In the Old Testament, hyssop symbolized atonement and mercy (Exodus 12:22; Psalm 51:7). “It is finished” is the same Greek word translated…
“made an end of” (Matthew 11:1)
“paid” (Matthew 17:34)
“performed” (Luke 2:39)
“accomplished” (Luke 18:31)
Nothing remains to be offered but the confession of sinners.
