Jesus’ Prayers on the Cross - Luke 23

We wrapped up our sermon series called "Teach Us to Pray" this week. In this sermon series, we took an in-depth look at the different times that Jesus prayed or directed us to pray. This Easter, we looked at Jesus' prayers on the cross. His prayers on the cross tell us what he did for us through the cross.

Jesus' prayers on the cross show us that we receive forgiveness, substitutionary atonement (Jesus in my place), and a finished work through His death and resurrection. In Jesus' work on the cross, we are free from the penalty of our sin, and there is nothing that we could do to earn it or add to it. In Jesus' words, "it is finished," his work is done.

How should we respond to such a great and free gift? First, through repentance and belief. Second, in awe and wonder. Third, through praise and pursuit of who God is.

Resources

• Article - It is Finished - Scotty Smith

• Article - What Does It Mean for the Father to Forsake the Son? - Thabiti Anyabwile

• Song - Resurrection Letters Anthology - Andrew Peterson

Reflection Questions

• How does knowing we have forgiveness in Jesus encourage us?

• If Jesus suffered in our place, what hope does that give us?

• In what ways are you tempted to try and add to or take away from Jesus’ finished work on the cross?