Excruciating pain. Do you see in the word ‘excruciating’ a link to ‘crucify’? The term that describes the intensity and extent of pain is derived from the term ‘to crucify’ and literally means 'out of the cross.' The extent and intensity of pain experienced by a person being crucified was of such magnitude that no other word came close to describing it. In this kind of pain on the cross, Jesus models a focus and intensity that challenge and satisfy our hearts. Excruciating pain typically causes a person to focus on pain relief in some form. A noticeable feature of Jesus crucifixion according to Luke’s gospel is that not only did Jesus not focus on pain relief; he focused more intently on his mission of announcing good news. He was about proclaiming freedom for the prisoners and releasing the oppressed through his final breath.
This week we are studying from Luke 23:26-43
Pastor Whipple's sermon notes and presentation are available for download.
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