The Way Home (04/02/2023)

Jesus and His Final Words: Lived Out - The Way Home (Luke 23:44-46 & John 12:23-33)

 

Here we hear Jesus, the Son speaking to the Father. It is a word of serene surrender and total trust. I put myself in your hands. The truth is, throughout the gospels, if you were listening - you could hear the words the Father spoke to the Son.

Matthew 3:17/ Mark 1:11/ Luke 3:22 - at this baptism, the Father splits the skies to announce His love.

At the Mount of Transfiguration, (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) God again calls Him dearly loved - and implores the disciples to listen - give Him your full attention. (Peter recalls the sacred moment: 2 Peter 1:18). Another interesting moment in that encounter is after the disciples heard the voice of the Father - when they looked, they only saw Jesus. Of course, we can only see the Father by looking to Jesus (Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15).

At the beginning of this final work on the cross, John's gospel sets it up by sharing Jesus' announcement, John 12:23-33: "Now the time has come..." Confidently, Jesus declares that the Father will glorify the Son as the Son does the work of the Father. He will not shrink from that work. And in that moment, the Father speaks yet again (and it is heard by others) - but they think they are hearing thunder. That word is a clear reference back to the moment of Sinai - when God shows up and the mountain is covered by thunder (Exodus 19:16-20, 20:18-21).

God, the Father thunders His love for His Son. Here on the cross, the Son declares His love for the Father.

Both Father and Son speak with one voice of love. And Jesus shows us the way home - entrust your life to the Father.