Jesus' Prayers from the Cross

One note while still in the garden Jesus mentions a prayer that He could have made, but chose not to. His arrest was voluntary submission to the plan. Angels are ministering spirits available for the work of God Heb 1:14 “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”

Mt26:53 “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”

72,000 angels were available to thwart any plan of man against the Messiah, but against the Plan of God none were requested.

Elisha comforts servant 2 Kings 6:17 “And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Picture of Throne Room Dan 7:10 “A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.”

Jacob’s Ladder Gen 28:12 “Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”

Jesus in Garden ministered to by angels

The Prayers from the Cross

Of the seven sayings from the cross three were prayers.

1st PRAYER

Forgiveness

Luke 23:34 “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

It was addressed to the Father

It was made on behalf of the ignorant among the Romans (some did it without knowingly understand consequences)

Not a forgiveness of sin to everlasting life, but a temporal reprieve from the consequence of killing the Messiah

Not a prayer for those who willingly and gladly sinned

He prayed for the forgiveness of His tormentors.

4. They were unsaved.

We should forgive those who wrong us, even if they have not apologized. It is better to forgive than carry around a root of bitterness.

It is The Royal Law of Love (James 2:8) to forgive as Christ has forgiven Col 3:13 “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

2nd Prayer

Spiritual Death

Mt 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

This came at the ninth hour. For six hours Jesus hung on the cross. For three hours there had been darkness, all men’s sin was placed on His body and He faced the cup of the wrath of God. And now at the ninth hour the Father forsook Him. The separation of the Trinity was complete and the Father abandoned Him for a time. This was brutal

The cry was made to My God, My God (the only time Jesus used this phrase - speaks of the judicial relationship of the Lamb on the altar) Darkness speaks of spiritual death.

At this point the Father answered His prayer and there was light and a spiritual acceptance of the price for sin having been paid. 2 Cor 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Ps 22:1 “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?” A Messianic Psalm dealing with the crucifixion. see v :31 Passion Translation, “it is finished”

The New King James Version Chapter 2

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

3rd Prayer

Finished Work Rest

Luke 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.”

Quoted Ps 31:5 “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”

He had finished the work Jn 19:30 “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

He spoke this with a loud voice, He was in control. No man took His life. He was the Good Shepherd that voluntarily gives His life for the sheep.

Jesus spoke to the Father and gave Him the authority to receive His Spirit

His work being done there was nothing more for the Messiah to do. The rest of the salvation story depends on men believing. The resurrection from the dead was going to be the capstone for the gospel truth.

Into the Fathers hands He commended His Spirit. Speaks of trust, confidence and assurance of the resurrection. He knew He had finished the work.

Entered Finished Work Rest Heb 4 9-10 “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.”

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