On the cross as Jesus was dying there were seven spoken saying that he spoke that speak volumes to what truly matters in life.
First he spoke of forgiveness of those around him, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). He was on that cross dying and still asking for the forgiveness of others.
Next he spoke words of salvation to those around him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). He spoke to the man on the cross next to him who affirmed his belief in Christ as he was near death.
Love and care was what he next spoke of, "Dear woman, here is your son ... Here is your mother!" (John 19: 26-27). He was speaking to his mother and one of his disciples. He cared and loved them so much that he didn't want them to suffer and be alone, but do life together.
Then there was hours where no words from Jesus were spoken.
Next Jesus spoke words of spiritual suffering, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 25:34). At that point he felt a sense of separation from God, which is the consequence of sin. And this sense was not only for himself but for those who were in store for a seperation from God due to their sinful natures. But instead of us going through the pain, Jesus took it as a sacrificial lamb. He must have felt such a seperation and rejection from us and God in those moments.
As he took on our sins as his own he spoke words of physical suffering. There is no way to measure the amount of mental and physical pain that he was going through, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28). That was his only want on this earth. And they have him wine vinegar, which is a sour tasting wine.
Next he spoke words of triumph. He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). This statement was an indication of fulfillment of his earthly mission given by the Father. It also fulfilled the Old Testament prophesy about the Messiah's suffering, and completed the work of spiritual rescue and restoration through the perfect sacrifice. It secured the victory over Satan, and finally it achieved the means of restoring God's relationship with his creation and sinful humanity.
Lastly Jesus spoke words of devotion and trust to his Father, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). This was Jesus voluntarily giving his life and fully committing himself and trusting in God. In that moment he returned in spirit to his Father in heaven.
But that's not all. He didn't just die. He rose. The tomb was empty, to confirm Jesus actually rose from the dead and truly is the Son of God. He rose to change the attitudes of the church from that of sorrow and despair to extraordinary joy, courage, and hope. He rose to get his disciples ready to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And finally he rose because this is a story of victory and of love, he triumphed over death and showed the ultimate sacrifice so that a mere 2000 years later we don't have to. God has forgiven our sins. And he did it because he loves us.
Happy Resurrection Day everyone.