~ His First and His Last Words ~
Have you
considered the first and last words of our Lord Jesus Christ while He walked on
earth? (through His crucifixion).
His First Words
~ “I must be about My Father’s
business” (Luke 2:49).
contemplate: What was His Father’s business?
“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of
the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem
according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they
returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him
to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among
their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned
to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him
in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and
asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His
understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His
mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I
have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father's business?’ But they did not
understand the statement which He spoke to them” (Luke 2:41-50).
His Last Words
~ “It is finished” (John 19:30). These were the Savior’s last words before
committing His spirit into the hands of God, His Father.
contemplate: What has your response been to the finished work of Jesus Christ?
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be
fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there;
and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His
mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And
bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:28-30).
the key question:
“Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important
question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it
incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
