The Last Words of Jesus - Light From Calvary by Robert H. Ireland Book Review & Reflection

The Last Words of Jesus - Explanation and Reflection

Light From Calvary is a series of seven short reflections on the Seven Last Words of Jesus by 19th century Scottish minister Robert H. Ireland. 

The more I read, the more I appreciate books that contain expositions of Scripture. Light From Calvary brings up some points from each of Jesus seven final sayings as he approached his death that I hadn’t considered before. Reading this book will help me to read the Passion narratives in a more careful and understanding way!

The death of Jesus for our sins is a key part of the gospel, and Ireland draws out the humanity and divinity of Christ as he explains the gospel from these brief passages. Here are some of my favorite takeaways or thoughts inspired by Light From Calvary:

1) Generally, the benefit of reading works that were written at a different time and a different place from our own. The slight difference in language helped me to slow down and really go deeper into each word, instead of thoughtlessly scanning the page.

2) I was struck again that Jesus really died in our place. He was forsaken so that we would not be. He was abandoned so that we would not be forgotten. We can trust that our future will be bright because Jesus’ past was dark.

3) Ireland makes the connection between Jesus’ words “I thirst” and his invitation in John 7:37, if anyone should thirst they should come to him and be satisfied. Again and again in Scripture, the thirsty are satisfied but in Jesus’ most vulnerable moment he was left without refreshment.

4) The words “it is finished” bring to mind the numerous prophecies that were fulfilled even in the final moments of Jesus’ life. I was struck to read through all of the different passages and prophecies that Ireland lists. Jesus continued to suffer so that every dot of the Scripture would be fulfilled in Him.

5) Finally, I was reminded that Jesus gave up his spirit. After it was all complete, he laid down his life, to take it up again after three days. 

I’m grateful that books like this exist, to remind us of the gospel! I received this book from @banneroftruth.