And He, carrying his cross, went out to the place called the Skull, and in Hebrew, Golgotha; where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle. And Pilate also wrote a title, which he placed on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And many of the Jews read this title, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, and in Greek, and in Latin. And the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Do not write: The King of the Jews; but He said: I am King of the Jews. Pilate replied: What I have written I have written. And when the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took their garments and made four parts, for each soldier one part; and also his robe, and the robe was seamless, all woven from above. Then they said to one another: Let us not break it, but cast lots on it, to see whose it will be; so that the Scripture could be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and cast lots on my clothes. This, then, did the soldiers. John 19: 17-24
The first word: Luke 23:34
And Jesus said: "Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they are doing." And splitting his garments, they cast lots.
Oh God the Father, you well know that we sin a lot. We often live like the world around us and not like your children. Forgive us for the pain we cause you and others. Forgive us because of Jesus Christ, who died for us. As you forgive us, help us forgive others as well. In the name of Jesus, amen.
The second word: Luke 23: 39-43
And one of the criminals who were hanged insulted him, saying: If you are the Christ, save yourself and us. And the other answered and rebuked him, saying: Do you not fear God, even though you are under the same condemnation? And we, in truth, just suffer; because we receive what our deeds deserved; But this one did no wrong. And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Then Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
O Lord Jesus, we praise you because you have opened the door of heaven for us. You suffered the pains of hell so that we can enjoy paradise. Thankyou, my Lord! Help us to share this with others, so that many can enter heaven through the door that you have opened. Amen.
The third word: John 19: 25-27
And they were next to the cross of Jesus, his mother, and the sister of his mother, Mary wife of Cleofas, and Mary Magdalene. And when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom He loved, who was present, he said to his mother: "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother." And from that hour the disciple received her in his house.
O Savior Jesus, help us to love as you love us. In the midst of so much suffering you had compassion for your mother. Teach us to love our mothers and fathers and siblings and children in this way. Help us to treat them with love and above all, to tell them about you, so that they can be saved. In your name we pray, amen.
The fourth word: John 19: 28-29
After this, Jesus knowing that everything was already finished, so that the Scripture could be fulfilled, he said: "I am thirsty." And there was a jar full of vinegar; then they soaked a sponge in vinegar, and putting it on a hyssop, they brought it to the mouth.
Holy Spirit, fill us today. Quench our thirst for God with the living water that is Jesus Christ. As Jesus suffered physical thirst to save us, so teach us to endure the afflictions of this world and use the time to offer others that water of salvation. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
The fifth word: Mark 27:46
And around the ninth hour, Jesus exclaimed with a loud voice, saying: "Elí, Elí, lama sabactani?" That is: my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Lord Jesus, no one can understand the depth of your suffering for us. You were forsaken on the cross so that we would never suffer that despair. When we feel alone, make us see your presence. And help us guide other depressed and disappointed people to you. In your name we pray, Lord, amen.
The sixth word: John 19:30
And when Jesus took the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
O Savior Jesus Christ, you have accomplished everything. You have the victory over the evil one, over sin and over death. Holy Spirit, help us share that victory in our lives. Make us live with confidence, sure of forgiveness. And give us strength to overcome temptation. In the name of Jesus, amen.
The seventh word: Luke 23:46
Then Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." And having said this, he gave up the spirit.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the forgiveness and eternal life and love you give us through Jesus Christ. We thank you that you satisfy our spiritual thirst and that you never abandon us. Father, into your hands we commend our lives. We trust you, Lord. Since Christ died for us, we want to live for you. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Send Pastor David Ernst an email.
Welcome
