“Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (John 19:19)

At the cross we see both the Son of God and the Son of Man revealed. It begins as Jesus views those who are crucifying Him. Jesus offers this prayer for them, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) When those who had crucified Jesus saw the happenings and watched how Jesus died, they acknowledged the difference of Jesus. “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” (Matthew 27:54)

When Jesus was crucified, He was crucified between two thieves. Through these two men, we see the results for all mankind. One man mocked Him and rejected Him. “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’” (Luke 23:39) While the other criminal would ask Jesus to remember Him. “’Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:42-43) He would be the first one with Jesus in paradise.

As time on the cross continues, we see Jesus the Son of Man. While on the cross, Jesus sees His mother. Jesus is the first born to Mary. As the first born, He is responsible for His mother. Even from the cross Jesus fulfills His responsibility to His mother. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 9:26-27)

Jesus has come to take the penalty for all the sin and sins of mankind. As this becomes a reality, Jesus calls out to God. It is not the personal cry of a son to a father, but as mankind’s cry out to God because of our sin, which had separated mankind from God. Thus, Jesus cries out for all of us. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) The reality of the wages of sin is laid upon the Savior as death draws near.

As the time for Jesus’ death draws near, He acknowledges His need to fulfill Scripture completely as He says, “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28b) “My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:15 CSB) Therefore, He would now say, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Then with His last breath, the connection between the Son and the Father is now again recognized. As the Son of God and the Son of Man, He speaks a final work of faith. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

The payment for sin is now complete, the victory over sin will soon take place. As Jesus offers Himself into the Father’s hands, because of what Jesus has done, we can be placed in the Father’s hands. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block