We are entering deep into the Easter season with two episodes to take us at the feet of the Cross through the gospel of Luke. The cross is more than a historical event—it’s an invitation to forgiveness, intimate relationship with God, and sacrificial love for others. Christ’s suffering secured what we could never earn, and we’re called to respond with gratitude, surrender, and trust, especially in difficult times. The work is finished; we are loved and forgiven—let’s live in the light of that truth.
Today, we ponder the seven statements that Jesus made from the cross. You may be familiar with them, but we sprinkle fresh gospel spice on these seven famous sentences today--and you just might be poised for an explosion of fresh flavors that will usher you into a worship experience of our crucified Lord.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. That's the first statement from the cross.
Father, into Your hands I entrust My Spirit. That's the final statement. Between them, five more statements that will awe you anew.
This is the Easter story. It is true, and it will transform your life in unalterable ways. Come and worship today as you ponder the meaning of the cross through this lesson Stephanie taught to a large online gathering.
Jesus spent six agonizing hours on the cross, from 9am to 3pm. This was remarkably brief compared to the usual multi-day suffering of crucifixion victims. These hours split into two crucial phases:
- 9am – 12pm: The "wrath of men"—physical pain, mocking, emotional abandonment.
- 12pm – 3pm: The "wrath of God"—spiritual darkness, separation from the Father.
Let’s reflect on each of Jesus' seven statements and their profound meaning.
1. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Jesus’ first words show radical forgiveness. He asks for mercy not only for the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders but for all of us—everyone guilty of sin. True freedom and resemblance to Christ begin with a heart willing to forgive, even in pain.
2. "Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)
Jesus speaks this to the repentant thief beside Him. It is a picture of pure grace: the criminal could not earn salvation, yet Christ welcomes him. We too, receive forgiveness and access to heaven by grace, not by our own works.
3. "Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother." (John 19:25-27)
Here, Jesus cares for His mother Mary and His friend John, ensuring they are cared for after His death. This highlights our family in Christ—spiritual relationships are as deep, if not deeper, than biological ones. Jesus challenges us to look beyond ourselves, serving others even in hardship.
At noon, creation reacts – darkness falls and the earth quakes. Extra-biblical sources confirm these events, proving the historical truth of Jesus’ sacrifice.
4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
This marks the beginning of the spiritual agony. Jesus, quoting Psalm 22:1, experiences separation from God in His human spirit—not in His divine nature. It’s a spiritual suffering we can’t comprehend; that’s the very point—Jesus endured what we could not so we’d never have to.
5. "I thirst." (John 19:28)
On the surface, it’s physical need. Spiritually, it reflects Jesus’ inner anguish. He thirsts so we don’t have to—He exchanges places with us as seen in the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16.
6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)
One of the most triumphant statements in history. The Greek "tetelestai" means "paid in full." Our debt is completely erased; Jesus’ mission accomplished. Nothing we do can add—or subtract—from God’s love for us.
7. "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." (Luke 23:46)
Jesus’ relationship with the Father is restored. He dies physically only after spiritual resurrection. In trusting God with His spirit, He models our own surrender—reminding us that, through the resurrection, eternal life is our promised hope.
The cross is more than a historical event—it’s an invitation to forgiveness, intimate relationship with God, and sacrificial love for others. Christ’s suffering secured what we could never earn, and we’re called to respond with gratitude, surrender, and trust, especially in difficult times. The work is finished; we are loved and forgiven—let’s live in the light of that truth.
DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES BEHIND THIS EPISODE
Go to gospelspice.com for more info about Gospel Spice Ministries, the umbrella ministry over the podcast. You will discover our partners and the various services we offer, such as in-depth Bible studies with interactive conversation groups, a couple of times a year.
Contact us on the website or at contact@gospelspice.com to send us your prayer requests (we pray for you as a team every week!) and let us know how we can come alongside you.
DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.
In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.
Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.
Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.
Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.
It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.
Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.
More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
- Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”
- Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."
- Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."
- Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."
More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
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