The only way that we can truly know what another person is thinking is through their words. Words are an expression of the mind. In the words of Jesus, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34).
But, have you ever considered what Jesus Himself was thinking about on the cross? On the hardest day of His life, at the point of His greatest grief – what was He thinking?
Our current Enjoying the Journey podcast series on “The Cries from the Cross” is concluding this week. (You may listen to all of them in the archive here.) In this study we have been examining the seven recorded sayings of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. They are rich with the grace of God and application for all of us.
As we have meditated on these powerful last words of Christ I have been reminded that His thoughts truly are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).
“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” – Christ was thinking about the eternal souls of men.
“Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” – Christ was thinking about the joy that awaited Him and those who would trust Him in the world to come.
“I thirst.” – He was thinking on Scripture. The gospel record plainly says that this was a direct fulfillment of prophecy (John 19:28). He was not delirious; He was meditating on the prophecies and promises related to His own sacrifice.
“Mother, behold thy son. Behold thy mother.” – He was thinking about others! In the midst of His own hurt He was caring for the needs of His mother. In this, He concentrated on His love for man.
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” – He was thinking about His relationship with His Father. In this, He concentrated on His love for God.
“It is finished.” – He was thinking about His obedience to the Father and His redemption of mankind. Suspended between earth and Heaven He had made a way to connect the two.
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” – He was thinking about His utter trust and complete surrender to the will of God.
Do you see it? Christ was not fixated on Himself or His suffering, but on the divine plan and the need of man (Hebrews 12:2). This is an example to us all.
Perhaps your mind is running wild and your thoughts are conflicted at this time. Ask God to help you develop the mind of Christ. Think on the Father. Think on eternal realities. Think on others.
What are you thinking?
(Listen to the final episodes in “The Cries from the Cross” and join us for a new study beginning next week!)
