Searing agony and public shame.  Jesus refused the anesthetic of wine and myrrh to keep his mind clear.  Never did Jesus teach more powerfully than from the cross.

"Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  In a world self-destructing from hatred, Jesus modeled healing love.

"Today you will be with me in paradise."  So like Jesus.  Redeeming a penitent thief outran his own concerns.
 

"Dear woman, here is your son."  "Here is your mother."  Jesus entrusted his mother to John, the disciple whom he loved.  Our attitude to our parents shapes our whole life.

"I am thirsty."  Though he was God in a body, Jesus felt the heat of the sun and the struggle to breathe.  He suffered no less than we would.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  God turned his face away and the world became dark.  To take our place Jesus had to experience the separation that sin brings.

"It is finished."   Jesus was faithful.  God had sent Jesus to sacrifice himself and give us back our sin-lost lives. He could have run but he loved us.  I love this saying from the cross most of all. 

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."  His last words.  Jesus could safely step into anything if he was in the Father's hands.  Have you placed your life in God's hands?