When someone is in their final days, those who are close to the person often lean and listen hard to their final words. As Jesus hung on the cross, the Scriptures record Him saying seven final phrases that those who were gathered near Him listened to and recorded. What do they mean for us today, and why should we still listen to them?
This was the second week of our “Final Words” series. The focus was on the fact of Christ is our substitute. We looked at the the phrases found in John 19:26-27 and Mark 15:34 as Jesus because our substitute and was forsaken by God as the sin of the world was laid upon Him. We also drew in Psalm 22 which is what Jesus quotes from as He is on the cross.
We really wanted to help people grapple with the separation Jesus experienced as He was forsaken by the Father He loved so much. We moved the sermon to the early part of the service, and as people came in they encountered a darkened lobby and sanctuary. We draped black cloth and turned the lights down low. We also set up a spotlighted cross in the middle of the lobby. As the service progressed, we then began to brighten the lights and led people from a time of reflection to a time of celebrating and rejoicing in the work of substitution on our behalf. As they left, the lights were turned up and the black cloth was removed.
Service Flow:
Pre-Service: Were You There and The Wonderful Cross
Welcome and Explain what’s happening
Video: Psalm 22 video (watch on Vimeo) from wiredchurches.com
Time of Reflection
Message
Special Music: “Behold the Man”
Time of Confession (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Scripture: Psalm 22:22-31 (The contrast to the earlier part of Psalm 22)
My Savior’s Love (I Stand Amazed) (Gabriel)
At the Cross (Butler)
Once Again (Redman)
Nothing But the Blood (Redman)
Prayer
Offering
Jesus Messiah (Tomlin, Carson, Cash, Reeves)
Missions Spotlight
Announcements
Dismissal: Read Isaiah 53:5 together
Played “Jesus Saves” (Cottrell) as people left
It was a great Sunday. In fact, it was probably one of the best we’ve had in a while. I don’t know whethere there were lots of people praying before and during, or that the topic really ministered to people, or that people were ready to hear, or all of that with a little creativity thrown in, but it was great. This was the first time we invited the congregation to sing “Jesus Messiah” with the worship team, and everyone caught on really quick. We’ll be doing that over the next few weeks for sure.
Thanks for stopping by. You can check out more Sunday Setlists over at fredmckinnon.com. Have a great week!
