While traveling with Jesus, His disciples witnessed several miracles and listened and learned from his teachings. They lived life with Him day in and day out, yet He was still mysterious to them. Jesus asks “Who do you say I am?” What’s your answer to that question?

Easter -- “It is finished.” By saying this Jesus was signaling to the Jewish world that there was no more need for sacrifices or temples because His work brought the ultimate fulfillment to what their sacrificial system foreshadowed. When Jesus rose from the grave it was proof that he had conquered not just death but opened up an entirely new way for us to have a relationship with God.

The betrayal and condemnation

The trial and sentencing

The crucifixion

Thirsty with no immediate relief? Jesus was there in the worst way. Hanging on the cross and suffering so that you and I could find a way back to our Heavenly Father. His thirst, viewed in retrospect, gives us an amazing amount of hope.

In Matthew 27:46 we are confronted with a cry from Jesus.

Jesus was ready to die on the cross but there was one thing he needed to do. One thing that was so important that it will forever be remembered as one of Jesus’ last sayings.

Continuing in our series SEVEN, the last seven sayings of Jesus. We look at the thief on the cross. Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

For the next seven weeks, ENCOUNTER is going to focus on the last seven sayings, the last words of Jesus. But why are they significant?

God’s covenant faithfulness interrupts our constant fearfulness.

Message from Bill Heydorn on February 27, 2022