Luke 23:44-49: At The Cross

Luke 23:44-49 offers us perspective regarding the final three hours of Christ’s experience on the cross. Just before darkness descended upon the land, Jesus found strength to assure a repentant criminal on an adjacent cross with the words Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (23:43).  Furthermore, John describes our Lord’s provision for his mother by arranging for John to offer her care and support (John 19:26-27).

As our perfect substitute, we recognize that Jesus did not die in sin, but rather for our sins. Christ’s finished work on the cross means that nothing can be added to nor substituted from what our Savior secured. As the Apostle John noted, Jesus said It is finished, then bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30). As we prepare our hearts for receiving the communion elements, reflect upon the significance of Christ’s finished work.