In preparation for Easter we are following the counsel of Charles Spurgeon to “dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard” by studying the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. To study these cries and listen to these cries is to find oneself on holy ground.
In his book, The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross, Murray Harris writes:
“All of us treasure the final words of those we love and admire… But Jesus’ actual “final words” during his earthly life were not, in fact, collected in one place to form a farewell address. They are scattered in seven different places, three in the Gospel of Luke, one in Matthew and Mark, and three in John… They are not remotely like any other final words ever recorded as being spoken by a leader. They are exceptionally brief and poignant… and they are uttered in the midst of prolonged death throes” (Harris, The Seven Sayings, xiii–xiv).
When is the last time you listened to these cries? It will only serve you to listen again for these cries are necessary because of our sin and these cries uniquely reveal his love for sinners like you and me. So make some time to this week “to dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard.”
This post is adapted from a sermon I preached at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville entitled, “Cries from the Cross, Part 1.”