What Jesus Said While Hanging On The Cross

"And sitting down they watched him there" (Matthew 27:36).

Soldiers did this after dividing his clothes. Others watched, both friends and foes.

• This, for his friends was not like a funeral (fellowshiping, laughing, feasting) but the agony of a dear one suffering and dying.
• How long was Jesus ON (top) the cross? How long hanging by his hands and feed on the side of the cross?

Seven sayings from the cross

Matthew and Mark - 1
Luke - 2, 3, 4
John - 5, 6, 7

1. "My God, my God, Why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1).
   • "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" thought he was calling for Elias (Elisha) Eloi, Eloi (in Mark)
   • Did not say, How awful! What pain! What wicked people! nor threats.
   • He was concerned about his father forsaking him. Did God forsake him?

   "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer" (Isaiah 54:78).

   Was this spoken of Christ or Israel? Some Jews though that when the prophets spoke of the sufferings of the Messiah they were speaking of the sufferings of the Jews.

   The condition of Jesus' heart. Died of a broken heart (blood and water).

   Has anyone ever been forsaken of God? What would that be like? What could cause such a thing? Is King Saul an example of this? Of whom does the Bible say, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee"?

2. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
   • Forgiveness is why He died.
   • Which ones did he pray this prayer directly for?
   • Sins of ignorance.
   • Were they forgiven? When?
   • What is the basis for anyone's forgiveness - atonement, mercy, repentance, asking?
   • An advocate with the Father. All forgiveness for Jesus' sake (as though it were He).

3. "Verily, I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).

   * Where did they go? For how long? How soon? Location of Paradise (Luke 16; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7).

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

   * Did He go to the Father? When?