John 19:25-30

Christ’s Dying Last Words

Introduction:

There is something very solemn and significant about the last words of men and women before their death.  Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French general and Emperor said while waiting for his death: “I die before my time and my body will be given back to the earth.  Such is the fate of him who has been called the great Napoleon.  What an abyss between my deep misery and the eternal kingdom of Christ.”  Voltaire, Deist – Philosopher and critic of the Christian Church, reported to have said to his physician on his death bed: “I am abandoned by God and man! I will give you half of what I am worth if you will give me six month’s life.”

Someone one day may record our last words on our death bed. The four Gospel writers of the New Testament have surely recorded the words of Our Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ…

I. LOVING CARE OF HIS MOTHER

A. Seven Sayings that Jesus gave from the cross

1. “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” - (Luke 23:34)

2. “Today you will be with me in Paradise” – (Luke 24:43)

3. “Women behold your son”… “Behold your mother” – John19:26-27

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34)

5. “I thirst” ( John 19:28

6. “It is finished” (John 19:30)

7. “Father into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)

B. Notice the third Saying:

1. Jesus not self absorbed – Ex. 20:12

2. Mary needs John’s protection. (Mary’s sons are nowhere to be found – John 7:5

3. Roman Catholic Theologians venerate and worship Mary (Bishop J. Sheen – remarks)

4. No basis for “Queen of heaven” (Gordon Keddie comments)

5. Jesus never called his mother, “mother” (A. W. Pink comment) John 2:4

II. TRUE HUMANITY OF CHRIST

A. He thirsted – “I am thirsty”

1. Jesus exhibited His Divine attributes.

2. Jesus exhibited His Human attributes except sin – John 4:6; Matt. 4:2; Mk. 4:38; Lu. 10:21; John 11:33)

B. God does not thirst nor do angels nor will we in heaven’s glory – Rev.7:16

1. Jesus thirsted to experience life as we do – Heb. 2:17

2. Jesus’ thirst was not satisfied with vinegar – Matt. 27:48; Mk.15:36

C. Thirsting was no ordinary event, for in Jesus’ case:

1. Jesus knew He was near death and that all things were accomplished – v.28

2. Jesus knew that the Scripture had been now fulfilled – Psalm 22:15; Psa. 69:21 (Matthew Henry)

3. A “branch of hyssop” was used to sprinkle blood upon the mercy seat – Psalm 51:7

III. COMPLETE SACRIFICE FOR SIN – V.30

A. Perhaps the most important words in the Bible – “It is finished” (John 17:4)

1. Jesus also fulfilled the Old Testament ceremonies, for He is truly the Passover Lamb – Turn To: Ephesians 2:11-22  (I Cor.5:7)

2. Jesus secured His satisfaction, joy and victory – Isa. 53:11; Heb. 12:2

3. Jesus finished the power of sin of the world, and established the reign of His righteousness – Matt. 12:28,29; II Tim. 2:25,26

4. Jesus fully satisfied the Justice of God and gained salvation for us –

I John 2:2; 4:10

B. Finally: The nature of Christ’s Death: -v.30b. “He gave up the spirit”

1. He Sovereignly gave Himself up to a death that otherwise could never claimed Him. – II Cor. 5:21

2. Death to man is not normal.  Death is not intrinsic to our humanity.

3. Death came by one man’s disobedience, Adam We inherited his nature and we all sinned and sin pays its wages – Rom.6:23, but Christ reverse the death and it consequences – Isa. 25:8; Rom.8:37-39; I Cor.15:50-58

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

12/16/2007