A Cry of Affliction – 4 Truths

The fourth sermon in the series of the seven last words of Jesus is A Cry of Affliction. The Scripture for this sermon was from Matthew 27:45-46.

I was an adult before I understood the entire meaning of this verse and all of the events at the cross. Understanding doesn’t bring comfort. It is still our Lord and Savior Who is hanging there, suffering things we will never understand or experience.

Pastor Justin shared what he feels are four truths to be learned from this scene. To watch his sermons, go to YouTube and follow FBC Hendersonville NC. All sermons in this series are available there.

Number one is the atrocity of our sin. There was no sin in Jesus. None. He lived a sinless life, completely within His Father’s will. Yet, there he was—suffering the worst punishment ever created.

Why?

OUR SIN

From the very beginning, God knew it would come to this. He knew His only Son would one day have to be in this very place, at this very time, taking upon Himself, the sin of the entire world For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). That’s all the people ever born by that time, all those since that time, including you and me, and all those who will even be born today and beyond. I cannot even fathom that.

GOD IS HOLY

His second truth is the absolute Holiness of God. The Bible says these words mean to be set apart. God is completely Holy. Sin cannot even be in His presence as God is completely separated from sin. Sin deserves God’s wrath. God’s wrath came upon Jesus for all of us. Yes, for you, and for me. God’s wrath is His righteous response to our sin. He loves us, but He hates our sin. God knew we’d never survive His wrath against our sin.  Therefore, He placed it all upon Christ.

Jesus knew this was coming. But He went willingly, always doing the will of His Father. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:38-39 ESV).

A Cry of Affliction - 4 Truths @DDuPreeWilliams #faith #7LastWordsOfChrist #ACryOfAffliction Share on X

WE CAN TRUST THE FATHER

The third truth was about Jesus’s deep trust in the Father. One of the thieves and people in the crowd mocked Jesus by asking, “Where is your God?” He was right there. I’m sure His heart must have been broken asunder. But Jesus trusted God to carry out His plan for our salvation. He knew before He went to the cross that He would die a horrific death, but He also knew that He would rise again. That is the utmost trust. Friends, we can trust God with our lives, too. With Him, we are promised eternal life. Death will not be the victor.

JESUS LOVES US BEYOND MEASURE

Justin’s fourth and final thoughts about a cry of affliction tell us about Jesus’s deep love for us. Read Ephesians 3:14-19. It speaks of the deep love Christ has for us. We see that He was forsaken so that we will never be separated from God as He was. How that must have hurt our Savior. I just cannot imagine. He did that for you and for me and all of those who follow Him.

Justin’s final remarks told us this is a love that demands a response. You have only two choices. The first is to love Him and follow Him with the promise of eternal life with Him. The only other one is hostility—turn your back on the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

Which will you choose? It is never too late to turn to Christ. He is always there just waiting for you to call upon His name. Read the Gospel of John and follow that with the book of Romans.

Know you are in my prayers.

 

Blessings, y’all!

My late sister Bobbie Foshee and I sang this when we were just girls. I sang melody and she sang harmony. For my birthday one year, she printed and framed the words. It hangs in my office.