18/04/2025
✝️During the solemn Good Friday service, several members of the congregation reflected on the *Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross*, each revealing a powerful truth from Scripture.
1. Elder Chinedu Nwogu shared from Luke 23:33-34, where Jesus, amidst His suffering, asked God to forgive those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Elder Nwogu emphasized that Jesus, even at the height of His pain, demonstrated divine forgiveness—a central theme of the cross. He reported that Jesus did not hold anger or resentment but chose mercy, showing us the depth of God’s love and calling us to forgive others, no matter the offense.
2. Mrs. C. Odoh read from Luke 23:39-43, recounting how one of the criminals crucified beside Jesus humbled himself and asked to be remembered in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus responded, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” She explained how this shows the power of humility and repentance, that no matter how far we’ve fallen, faith in Christ brings redemption—even at the last moment. This moment of grace reminds us of the hope offered to all sinners.
3. Elder Jonah Yashim, reading from John 19:26-27, shared how Jesus, in the midst of His agony, saw His mother and the beloved disciple and said, “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” Elder Yashim said this speaks of Jesus’ care and love for humanity. Even on the cross, Jesus was thinking of others—providing for His mother, showing us that love looks beyond pain to meet the needs of others.
4. Engr. Chris Ukeagbu, reading from Matthew 27:46, recalled Jesus’ loud cry: *“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”* He explained that this reveals the depth of Jesus’ suffering—He took upon Himself the full weight of sin and felt the agony of separation from the Father so that we would never be forsaken.
5. Mrs. Miracle Oluboba, from John 19:28, shared Jesus’ simple but profound statement: *“I thirst.”* She interpreted this not just as physical thirst, but as a spiritual longing—a reflection of Jesus’ deep desire for souls to come to Him. On Good Friday, it reminds us that Christ’s suffering was not just bodily, but emotional and spiritual, born out of love for us.
6. Elder Ben Chukwu, reading John 19:30, declared Jesus’ victorious words: *“It is finished.”* Elder Chukwu explained that this was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of triumph. The work of salvation was complete—the penalty of sin paid in full. On Good Friday, this reminds believers that through Jesus’ sacrifice, all our sins and burdens have been taken away.
7. Finally, Mrs. Gukas read from Luke 23:46, where Jesus said: *“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”* She reflected that this shows Jesus’ trust in the Father, even in death. It was a peaceful surrender, showing that His mission was fulfilled and His spirit returned to God. For believers, this is a call to live and die in complete trust in God’s hands.
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Deeper Reflection on Good Friday:
Good Friday is the day we remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross—a moment where divine love was poured out for humanity. Each word spoken by Jesus on the cross is rich with spiritual significance, pointing to the core of the Gospel:
• Forgiveness, no matter the gravity of the offense.
• Redemption, offered freely to those who believe.
• Compassion and love, even in suffering.
• Abandonment, showing Jesus bore our separation.
• Thirst, revealing His longing for reconciliation.
• Victory, declaring sin and death defeated.
• Surrender, teaching us to trust in God even in our final breath.
The crucifixion is not just a historical event—it is a divine exchange. Jesus bore our sin, our shame, our punishment, and in return gave us forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Good Friday reminds us that salvation came at a cost, but it was a price paid out of immeasurable love.
