What we call Good Friday was not a good day for Jesus, but a bad one. It was a day of betrayal, rejection, pain, and loneliness. Each of us experience difficult times in life. On the cross Jesus left an example on how to deal with hard times, and this is seen in “the seven last words of Christ,” which are actually seven last statements.
First Word: In Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” The first point in dealing with hard times is to forgive those who hurt us. People can make choices apart from God’s commands, and we are hurt if we fall in their way. The starting block in dealing with the hurt people inflict on us is to realize people don’t always know what they are doing. Many just make bad choices. If we will forgive, we can find release from those bitter feelings that can eat us alive.
Second Word: In Luke 23:43 Jesus said to the thief beside Him on the cross, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” The second point in dealing with hard times is to help others who are experiencing our same struggle. Jesus could have focused on His own problems; but instead He reached out to help someone else in pain, and as He did He forgot about his own difficulties.
Third Word: In John 19:26-27 Jesus turned to Mary and John and said, “Woman, behold your son! . . . [and son] behold your mother!” The third point in dealing with hard times is to take care of family. When Jesus said, “Behold your son,” He was not referring to Himself, but to John. Jesus was telling His mother, “Here is the one who will look after you,” and He told John, “Here is your responsibility.” When loved ones hurt, we can feel at the end of our rope. Meeting their needs can relieve some of the burden.
Fourth Word: In Matthew 27:46 Jesus said, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” The fourth point in dealing with hard times is to bring our hard questions to God, for He is big enough to handle them. We must also come to God because no human being is adequate to answer life’s most difficult questions.
Fifth Word: In John 19:28 Jesus said, “I thirst!” The fifth point in dealing with hard times is to be humble enough to acknowledge when we have needs. Jesus requested a drink to clear his throat for his most important statement to follow. God can work in our life through other people, and asking for assistance or advice from others helps clarify the stance we are taking in trusting that God is ultimately in control.
Sixth Word: In John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!” The sixth point in dealing with hard times is to keep in mind that there will be an end. “It is finished!” was not a cry of defeat, for Jesus willingly went to the cross and was in control of the situation. He allowed Himself to be sacrificed for the world’s sin. He wasn’t giving up hope and declaring His life to be over, but He was confidently proclaiming the completion and victory of the long race He had run. Be encouraged there is an end in sight!
Seventh Word: In Luke 23:46 Jesus said, “Into Your hands I commit My spirit.” The final point is to surrender our adversity to God, and let it go. Jesus surrendered His control of life into the Father’s hands, and He was unafraid to do so. Relying on oneself will not result in a solution to our problems. We have to willingly give God the control before He can and will help us.