Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). We are to die to self and live for Him.

The Gospels reveal 7 sayings of Jesus when He was on His cross. These sayings have important meaning for themselves, but they also leave an example for us who are suffering on our crosses.

What can the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross teach us about handling our own pain, suffering, & earthly hurting?

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

We often suffer at the hands of those close to us. Jesus suffered at the hands of God’s chosen people. We will often complain about what they should do, but didn’t do. Yes, they shoulda, and coulda, but didn’t. This powerful example of Jesus teaches us to be a forgiving people. We need to complain with grace, ready to Forgive, or Forebear, or Forget (release from our heart). Forgive those that are hurting you…

But Stay on the cross.

“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

When others fail, remember that God doesn’t fail. There’s hope in the midst of our pain. There’s even hope when our pain is self induced. The thief admitted his guilt, and was a mocker along with the other one, but later he had a change of heart. It’s then he looked to the only one that could help, Jesus. Sometimes our suffering is self induced, but the Lord is faithful to forgive those that are in Him (1John 1:9). Repent…

But Stay on the cross.

“Woman, behold, thy son! Behold, thy mother!” (John 19:26-27)

Your friends may have turned their back on you. I hate that. However, If you’ll look, you’ll see that not everyone has left you. Some are nearby unable to take away your pain, But they can take some of your responsibilities. Just ask them for help. Some of us just don’t know what to do, but we’re willing if you’ll let us know.

When you’re overwhelmed with your main priority, let go of some of the other important, but lesser stuff.

But Stay on the cross.

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mat 27:46)

People will let you down at your lowest point. The disciples left Jesus. It will also APPEAR that God has left you too. He hasn’t. He’s with you. While this saying has prophetic significance, it is a reminder of how lonely we can feel in our darkest moments. We need to remember that Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5).

But Stay on the cross.

“I thirst.” (John 19:28-29)

Life is a dry, and thirsty struggle, metaphorically speaking. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink. He received a bit of a rebuke (John 4:7-9). Isn’t that the way it goes sometimes? Jesus said, “I thirst,” and He received sour wine. When we need help we sometimes receive a sour response. Ask anyway…

But Stay on the cross.

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Jesus stayed on that cross to the very end because He knew that what He was doing was essential for salvation for the world. (cf. Matt 16:21-23; 26:52-55). Keep on pushing through the pain until you complete your duty as a child of God. It’s important that we stay the course of faithfulness. We may not see the benefits until much later (Rev 2:10),

But Stay on the cross.

“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Even when all others fail you, God never does. Trust God. “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2Tim 1:12). Whatever happens to you…

Stay on the cross.

Agape,

Spencer