Seven Sayings from the Cross

Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst– John 19:28

We come to the fifth of Christ’s seven sayings from the cross, and the lesson we now learn from him, even in the midst of unspeakable suffering, is this: “submit yourself to the word of God.”

Perhaps the human who suffered most in the Bible, besides (and of course not even approaching) Jesus, was the man Job. Yet Job, after losing his wealth, family, and health, testifies: “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined…I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:11-12).

This, clearly, was supremely and perfectly the concern of Jesus, even as he prayed in the garden, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Again, the gospel of John records this rhetorical question, which Jesus framed for his disciples, “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11).

Is that your spirit? Are you willing to take the cup of God’s Word and drink it completely? Do you trust God’s will enough to utterly surrender yourself to it, or do you pass his commands through a mental cupbearer, testing its contents by the standard of your own reason or understanding? Jesus, even on the cross, was concerned that the Scripture be fulfilled—perfectly and consciously—in his life. Is that the great concern of your heart?