On this Good Friday, I want to share a meditation from Alexander Watson (1815?–1865) related to the cross of Christ and the way Jesus’s death brought to fulfillment his triple office of prophet, priest, and king. But first, a little background.
Seven Sayings and Seven Sermons
For the last six years (beginning in 2018), I have preached a Good Friday sermon that has focused on one of Jesus’s words from the cross. In all, there are seven statements found across the four gospels. Here they are in order.
- Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
- Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
- Woman, behold your son . . . Son, behold your mother. (John 19:26–27)
- My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:43)
- I thirst. (John 19:28)
- It is finished. (John 19:30)
- Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)
You can also listen to these songs in Andrew Peterson’s Tenebrae.
For the last six years, I have preached six sermons. And you can find them here.
- Father, Forgive Them (2018)
- Today, You Will Be With Me In Paradise (2019, no audio)
- Woman, Behold Your Son (2020, Covid year)
- My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? (2021)
- I Thirst (2022)
- It is Finished (2023)
- Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit (2024)
Along the way, I have found great help in preparing these messages and thinking about the cross of Christ by reading Alexander Watson, The Seven Sayings on the Cross; Or, The Dying Christ Our Prophet, Priest, and King. Continue reading