Message: “The Ghost Town of Evil” from Paul Taylor

As Jesus suffered on the cross, he entered into the deepest pain that can be imagined. The physical pain of crucifixion, the emotional pain of betrayal and humiliation, all combines with the spiritual pain of separation from God. His cry is born out of the experience of carrying the consequence of human sin before God. For a time, he was forsaken by God. As we reflect on this mystery, we see Jesus' pain more fully and understand our own suffering as well. Entering into Jesus' experience is an invitation into despair. But just as Jesus' despair gave way to victory, our own pain leads to something we can't imagine on this side of it.

Scripture References: Matthew 27:45-49

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From Series: "Seven Last Words"

In this series, we will explore the seven statements Jesus made while on the cross, just before his death. These words have been a traditional reflection for Christians during the season of lent for thousands of years. In them, we see the whole message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through the ideas of forgiveness, eternity, provision, despair, thirst, completion, and trust we see how Jesus' death becomes the turning point for all of God's plan of redemption. The mysteries expressed in Jesus' words are too deep to fully understand, but by reflecting on them, we can enter more fully into the central point of our faith: the death of Jesus the God-man on the cross.

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