The Travail, Transcendence, and Triumph of Jesus Christ (Luke 23:46)
Sermon Summary
7 December 2025
Ps. David Yan
When dying on the cross Jesus uttered some outstanding statements which indicated his travail, transcendence and triumph.
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus felt forsaken. He cried out to God. This is the cry of a man in travail. Jesus was fully human. Take comfort that the founder of the Christian Church was human. He identifies with us; we identify with him. He knows our travail.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Jesus rose above his travail. He was transcendent. He prays for his abusers. He is the great high priest.
His petition does not mean there is an immediate blanket of forgiveness for his malefactors. Rather, it is a petition for a future forgiveness when all provision has been made for it.
“It is finished.” Forgiveness of sins is provided for. Jesus has triumphed. His work is complete. It cannot be added to or detracted from. It cannot be enhanced. How foolish that some people at Easter mutilate their bodies as if the work of Jesus is deficient. The work of salvation is not deficient; it is entirely sufficient.
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Everything has been accomplished. Jesus returns to the heavenly Father. He made this statement with a loud voice as if to express his confidence that the Father, who once said, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” would certainly receive him.
With holy imagination we envisage the heavens opened and the entire angelic realm receiving Jesus in glory. We imagine all principality and powers along with Satan put in their place.
The lesson for us: follow Jesus in his travail, transcendence and triumph. He has gone before us. What is there to fear?