Do sheep listen? I don’t know much about sheep, but nine months into dog ownership and I can tell you that they don’t always listen. In fact, I’m convinced that my dog hears what I’m saying, comprehends what I want, but he still refuses to do what I say simply because he is unwilling. I’m told that sheep don’t always listen either, but before I start in on a rant on white woolly animals, I should confess my own selective hearing issues. Yes, I don’t listen at times too.
This Sunday we start a new Easter sermon series – What do we do if our plans fall though? Not everything goes according to our plans. This was true in Jesus day as well. Our first sermon will be When we’re locked in a room. After a month of lock down, you may have some questions too!
Plaque on kitchen wall said, “The three most important words ever spoken: ‘It is finished.’” The three most important words spoken? Not exactly. As recorded in the Greek of St. John’s gospel, our Lord’s sixth word from the cross is not three, but one: tetelestai.
“I have needs too, you know.” These are words that punctuate an argument. You say them with tears streaming down your face. Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Did he say it with tears of exhaustion? Was he telling the world and his Father that he would take no more? Suffer no more? Was he demanding at least a tiny bit of relief? Let’s find out. This Sunday we study John 19:28, the fifth word that Jesus spoke from the cross. He spoke a word of need.
How many exasperated parents haven’t scolded their teenager, “I hope someday your kids will treat you the same way you’re treating me!” How many of us, now grown-ups, look back and shudder at things we said and did to our parents while we were growing up? If so, we need to spend a few moments looking again at our Savior and his cross.