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Text: Luke 23:46-49

Title: The Word of Confidence

U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni has been given the unenviable task of trying to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East. The only viable long-range solution to peace in Jerusalem was offered by the man called the Prince of Peace when he rode into the city on a donkey close to two thousand years ago. We recall that amazing offer this Palm Sunday, continuing to affirm our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who will someday return and complete the work he began. Please prepare your hearts to worship him now.
Confidence: On shaky ground Frank was not a regular churchgoer, so he was a bit uncomfortable when his wife talked him into being a greeter one Sunday. After a few minutes of passing out bulletins, joking, and chatting with people, he began to warm up to the job. Things were going pretty well until a distinguished looking gentleman approached. "Good morning," Frank said, "It's a pleasure to have you with us today."
"Thank you very much, and may I say the same to you," grinned the man, while shaking Frank's hand, "as your pastor

We now come to the last word of the seven spoken from the cross. This last word is mainly concerned with the Sonship of our Lord. In this word from the cross we hear Jesus affirming His Sonship and saying, "Father."
If Jesus Christ is not the Son of God, then there is no revelation of the love of God. It would change the context and meaning of that familiar verse; John 3:16. The fact that God gave His Son stirs our hearts!
Unless we believe in the divine, eternal Sonship, we cannot believe in Christ's atonement for sin, for only one who is infinite can pay the ransom price for the human race. No created or finite being is equal to the total act of God's creation. He must be the uncreated One- co-equal,
co-eternal with the Father. If we do not believe in the divine Sonship, then we know noting of the message of a divine Savior "...the Father...sent the Son as Savior of the world"
Notice that the prayer of Jesus began with a prayer for others...
"Father forgive them.." His closing prayer was for himself (Father, into your hands I commend my spirit). What we have is 3 affirmations.

1. In the Security of his Sonship
Throughout his life Jesus had confidence concerning Father His dealings at 12 with his earthly parents - Lk 2:49
Throughout the NT Jesus referred to that relationship in his final words.
A. The revelation of sonship Gave credence to one of the cardinal doctrines.
Jesus claimed co-equality with God.
He was and always is the Son.

B. The restoration of sonship.
As Jesus prayed, he announced that he would not be restored to the full
extent of Sonship.
He would be restored to eternal enjoyment with God!
God had turned his back on Jesus.
We will never know what that means.
When we came to know Christ we were born into the family of God. (John 1:12) Once we are in God's family, we know a relationship that nothing can sever.
However, every time sin invades, it breaks our fellowship with God.
We claim forgiveness and cleansing by the accomplishments of the cross and we are pardoned.
We can look into God's face once again and call him "Father."
Let's consider another aspect of this truth...

2. In the Dependency of His Sonship
Just as he manifested confidence in the security , he demonstrated
confidence in the dependency.

A. Dependence upon his Father in life
Jesus words were a familiar Jewish prayer (Psalm 31:5)
Mothers taught it to their children
Relationship of dependency
In his teaching ministry - Matt 11:25-26
He could not adequately minister to his disciples without dependency
upon His Father.
In his healing ministry -
Jesus and the deaf & dumb man- Mk 7:34-37
He looked up to heaven, sighed and said "Ephphatha" (be opened).
Jesus and Lazarus-Jn 11:41-44
He asked God - showing dependency
In his feeding ministry-Jn 5
He fed the multitude with 5 loaves & 2 fish
He first looked to heaven & gave thanks.
Someone has said, "God is too wise to make a mistake and too good to do evil."
In this statement we see confidence.
This is the confidence that Jesus had in his Father.


B. Dependence upon his Father in death
When the moment of death arrived, Jesus simply stated.. "I commend my spirit into your hands."
These must be seen as words of comfort.
Paul's exhortation - 1 Thess 4:13
Even in the hour of death, we can know with absolute confidence that the body, soul & spirit are taken care of.
Illust. Sailors & their mom

3. In the Authority of his Sonship
Jesus is exercising his rightful authority as the Son of God.

A. On the cross, Jesus ordered death
Jesus was gathering up all that was involved in his death
1. Consider the method of his death
Lk 24:7
Several different occasions, people attempted to put him to death.
The Scriptures always state that "His hour had not yet come."
2. Consider the manner of his death
We are told that when death approaches the dying are overcome with weakness.
Then there is a final gasp before the physical body collapses.
It didn't happen this way with Jesus.
He bowed his head - Jn 19:30
Jesus used same word in Matt 8:20-Son of Man has no place to "lay" his head.
Just as he would lay his head to sleep, he bowed his head in strength &
confidence when he prayed.
3. Consider the moment of his death
In our lives, death is always the master.
In the life of Jesus, death was His servant.
When the moment arrived, Jesus dismissed his spirit
He is the only one who has ever done this.
Quote: Augustine - He gave up His life because He willed it, when He
willed it, and as he willed it."
Illust. Father Kolbe

B. On the cross Jesus overcame death
Jesus deposited his spirit in order to take it again when the moment of
resurrection arrived.
The words of the prayer were his triumph over the grave.
The words of Jesus-Jn 10:17-18
As he hung upon that cross in those closing moments of His redeeming
work, he could look through the gloom into the glory, through death,
into life, through apparent tragedy, into absolute victory.
He could exclaim - Ps 16:11

Conclusion Confidence...The army of Israel thought Goliath was too big
to defeat; David thought he was too big to miss.

We see Christ's confidence in the security, dependency and authority of
His Sonship. May we likewise have this confidence as we daily depend
upon our heavenly Father.