Revenge Is A Dish…

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We’re taking a little break from Ecclesiastes to focus on Easter with a two part series: Death and Life.

In this message, we see how Jesus’ death challenges the revenge-laced attitude of his contemporaries. By contrasting the last words of the seven martyrs of Maccabees (read it here), with the seven words of Jesus from the cross, it’s clear that our attitudes on justice and vengeance need to change.

Here are the seven words of Jesus to meditate on during this holy week (NRSV):

1. Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
2. Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
3. [to Mary:] Woman, here is your son.
   [to John:] Here is your mother. (John 19:26)
4. Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?
   My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
5. I am thirsty. (John 19:28)
6. It is finished. (John 19:30)
7. Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46)