The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Exuma reflected on Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection by sharing with its congregation during the Good Friday service “the last seven words” from the cross.

Christ is said to have made seven last statements on the cross before his death, and his followers until this day use the period of Lent, Good Friday and Easter to focus on those words that express Jesus’ suffering, and above all, unconditional love for all.

The seven statements are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

“Rev Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer family are grateful to God for sending His only begotten son to die for the sins of the world and allow those who choose to be able to have eternal life,” said Vanessa Smith, Ebenezer Baptist public relations representative.

Opening the service with the first word found in the Gospel of Luke – “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do” – Rev Smith spoke about how Jesus prayed for forgiveness for Pilate, the soldiers and all those who had treated him unjustly.

Deacon Doyle Johnson then spoke on the second word: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise, as Jesus promised the thief on the cross eternal life after his repentance.”

Sister Karen Winters continued with the third word, also found in the Gospel of Luke. In this Gospel, Jesus said to his mother: Woman, behold thy son”, and then said to his disciples, “This is your mother.”

Brother Cecil Smith continued with the fourth word: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. During the ninth hour after three hours of darkness Jesus cried from the painful heart of a human and must have felt deserted by His Father.” Minister Bradwin Hall spoke about the fifth word: “I thirst”.

“During this time, Jesus physically suffered and all of the pain and suffering had taken a toll on his body. This thirst was both physical and spiritual, and like the woman at the well, Jesus provides you with water that you will never thirst again,” Minister Hall said.

Sister Krivoy Smith continued the sixth word: “It is finished.”.

The final reading was completed by Deacon Urban Smith: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

“Jesus spoke directly to His father after being wholly obedient to the will of God on the cross,” Deacon Smith said.

“Jesus died, was buried, and on the third day, or resurrection morning, he arose from the grave. Death could not hold Him down and as a believer in Jesus Christ no power on earth can stop you from fulfilling God’s ordained purpose and plan for your life.”

Also in attendance was Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Alfred Gray along with his family.