Singing on the Cross

Day 117: Luke 23:13-43

“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” - Luke 23:42-43 ESV

In the five hours that Jesus spent on the cross, He somehow had the presence of mind to utter seven statements:

1. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

2. Today you will be with me in paradise.

3. Woman, behold, your son! Behold, your mother!

4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)

5. I thirst. (Psalm 69:21)

6. It is finished. (Psalm 22:16-31)

7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Psalm 31:5)

As someone who appreciates music, it is wild for me to see this laid out and to see how much Jesus was simultaneously singing and fulfilling Messianic prophecy as He was in His final moments. These were some of the Psalms he would have sung His entire life.

His second saying is the one that stands out in our reading today. In the midst of agonizing suffering, Jesus was still focused on serving others, and in the case of this criminal, leading him to eternal life.

Aren't you glad that Jesus is still saving people by his blood today? I am also certain that He is still singing (see Zephaniah 3:17).