The emblematic cross that sits atop Mt. Calvary in Golgotha is thought to signify the significant crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His selfless act of sacrifice to free humanity from its sins reflects the infinite love and generosity of God towards His followers.
Representing redemption, absolution, and persisting hope for Christians all around the world, this powerful symbol has been woven into the history of culture and worship throughout the countless generations that have passed.
During His last moments on the Cross, our Messiah uttered the last seven statements, commonly known as the “seven last words[1].” They have formed a significant part of the Christian faith through the centuries. These statements provide insight into Jesus’ thoughts, concerns, and the fulfillment of scripture for humanity.
Contents
What Did Jesus Say On The Cross?
The Seven Last Words
The seven last words, also known as the “seven sayings of Jesus on the cross,” are the final tragic declarations uttered by our Savior while being crucified. These phrases are recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament.
They are intricately important, not solely due to the fact they provide scope into Jesus’ character and His mission on earth, but principally because they bring solace and inspire hope at times of misery to all believers around the world.
1. Jesus Pleads To The Father
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
— Luke 23:34
This plea powerfully embodies the exceptional degree of Jesus’ forgiveness and passionate love for those who had unjustifiably been persecuting Him. As He sadly clung to a cross, persisting through paralyzing pain, He determinedly settled on granting compassion and grace to those who caused him such torment.
It is miraculous to consider the great degree of empathy and kindness exhibited by Jesus on the cross. Instead of withholding resentment or hatred towards His enemies, He resolutely interceded for their forgiveness. Toleration serves as an important subject in the teachings of Jesus. He highlighted the importance of giving love and clemency to others, regardless of how drastic life’s difficulties may be.
Compassion enables us to proceed with our lives, forgetting past trials and relishing greater harmony and love. Jesus’ determination to pardon those who had wronged Him evokes a compelling indication that we too should show mercy and patience to others.
2. Jesus Talks To His Mother
When Jesus saw His mother there and the disciple He loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into His home.
— John 19:26–27
In this intimate moment, Jesus exemplifies the utmost compassion and love while addressing Mary and the apostle John. He offers them comfort, establishing a new bond between them amid His own suffering. At a time when He faces such distress, Jesus displays care and concern for Mary’s welfare despite His difficulties.
By entrusting Mary to John’s safekeeping during this agonizing period, Jesus reveals the profound fondness He holds for both of these individuals and ensures her safety beyond death. His actions remind us of the importance of cherishing those close to us during hardship.
3. Jesus Asks For Water
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
— John 19:28
The symbolism of Jesus asking for water at the cross is a powerful reminder of His ultimate sacrifice. Despite being the Son of God, He experienced the same physical suffering and thirst that any human would experience in that situation. This helps to highlight Jesus’ profound love for humanity and His willingness to identify with us by coming down to earth as a man and embracing our experiences and emotions.
Moreover, when Jesus was offered vinegar or sour wine, it fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 69:21. This further demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all things, emphasizing His perfect plan for salvation—one of selfless sacrifice from Jesus himself. Ultimately, this event drives home an important message central to Christianity: Christ willingly endured suffering out of love for humankind.
4. Jesus Saves The Thief
Jesus answered Him, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
— Luke 23:43
The exchange between Jesus and one of the two thieves who were hung beside Him for crimes is more than just a testament to the power of faith. It serves as a reminder that God’s grace does not come with a timeline. Even when all might seem lost, those who repent of their sins and seek out the Lord are guaranteed redemption and eternal life in heaven.
This declaration from Jesus conveys the promise of salvation, illustrating one tenet of Christianity: immortality even after death. As long as we strive to right our wrongdoings, repentance brings us immediate forgiveness. This episode speaks volumes about the quick turnaround of absolution as well as its restorative powers. We must never forget that God will reach out to us in our time of need and reunite us with Him eternally.
5. Jesus Cries To The Father
And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
— Matthew 27:46
In the ninth hour, Jesus cried on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words spoken by Jesus are incredibly meaningful to God and humanity. From a spiritual perspective, they express the magnitude of love and sacrifice that Jesus was willing to endure in order to make way for our salvation.
For God, the statement illustrates His own willingness to give up His beloved Son Jesus’ life as a conduit for our forgiveness. It is a profound reminder of the Father’s outpouring of love and mercy toward us.
This passage is an inspiring reminder of how much can be achieved when we strive to become reconciled with our Maker. This spiritual journey can provide us with the opportunity to become united in divine grace and love. Furthermore, this text illuminates that regardless of life’s tribulations or difficulties, no force can ever block us from the exceptional affection God has lavished upon us through Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary.
6. Jesus Proclaims His Finished Work
When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
— John 19:30
This statement by Jesus on the cross is recorded in the Gospel of John and is often interpreted as the final words Jesus uttered before His death on the cross. It indicates that His mission on earth has been fulfilled. It is a powerful statement of completion and accomplishment and has become a significant phrase in Christian theology and tradition.
The statement “It is finished” is significant to God and humanity. Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity. It was through Christ’s death that people could be forgiven and reconciled with God.
7. The Last Words Of Jesus
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.
— Luke 23:46
The last seven sayings of Jesus on the cross carry extreme significance for devoted Christians and all human beings. This confirmation stands for Jesus’ absolute submission to God’s plan. He placed His trust in His divine presence, even beyond death, in an immense manner. It serves as a reminder to those who accept Christianity that every one of them can depend on God by relentlessly offering their lives to Him.
Moreover, when Jesus suffered, His humanity was demonstrated, illustrating His passionate commitment and sacrifice for humankind. His confiding remark functions as an uplifting force of credibility, trustworthiness, and obedience, which still motivates millions of believers today.
The Significance Of Jesus’ Last Words On The Cross
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and the authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
— John 10:18
What Did Jesus Say On The Cross? The Context Of His Crucifixion
Jesus’ crucifixion was a part of the Roman method of executing criminals, which involved nailing the victim to a wooden cross to cause a slow, painful death. The last seven statements were made within this horrific historical context, making their meaning even more profound.
It is difficult for us to imagine the kind of pain and suffering that Jesus must have gone through during this time. The physical agony of being nailed to a cross was only the beginning. Jesus also endured the emotional and mental anguish of being betrayed, abandoned, and mocked by those He loved and served.
Despite this, Jesus remained steadfast in His faith and love for humanity. The last words of Jesus on the cross are a testament to His strength, courage, and compassion.
The Importance Of Jesus’ Final Words
The last statements of Jesus Christ on the cross offer essential insight into His character, divinity, and purpose in the world. They demonstrate Jesus’ unique ability to forgive, provide hope, and demonstrate love even in the midst of immense suffering. Christians all over the world draw strength and inspiration from these words.
Jesus’ final words also serve as a reminder of the power of forgiveness, as exemplified by the thief beside Him. Even as He was dying, Jesus forgave those who had betrayed and crucified Him. This act of forgiveness is a powerful example for all of us to follow. It reminds us of the importance of extending grace and mercy to others, even in the most difficult circumstances.
The Role Of Scripture In The Last Seven Statements
The last words of Jesus in His final moments showed how deeply He was connected to ancient prophecies. For example, when Jesus quoted Psalm 22 while on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It highlighted the idea that His death was not a failure but rather a victory over sin and tragedy.
Similarly, with His declaration that “It is finished,” Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:11 about the Suffering Servant seeing the light of life and being satisfied. Ultimately, Jesus’ last words serve as evidence that He was fulfilling God’s plan for salvation and highlight its meaning for us today.
What Was Happening In The Bible When Jesus Spoke His Last Words?
- Jesus was crucified on a cross outside the city walls of Jerusalem.
- He was mocked and ridiculed by the soldiers and bystanders.
- Two criminals were also crucified alongside Him.
- Jesus was in extreme physical pain and suffering.
- He had been betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot.
- He had been arrested and put on trial by the Jewish leaders and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
- He had been falsely accused of blasphemy and sedition.
- The crowds had demanded His crucifixion instead of the release of a prisoner, Barabbas.
- Jesus had been flogged and beaten before being nailed to the cross.
- He had been carrying His own cross through the streets of Jerusalem before collapsing under its weight.
- He had been stripped of His clothes and had a crown of thorns placed on His head.
- He had been abandoned by most of His followers, including Peter who had denied knowing Him three times.
- Darkness had fallen over the land for three hours during His crucifixion.
- The temple curtain was torn in two at the moment of His death.
Conclusion
The last words of Jesus foster hope in even our most trying times. This emphasizes the intrinsic significance of scripture in grasping the nature and reason for His being. Above all, they emphasize the prevailing force of abounding love in overcoming hatred and brutality.
These seven last words charge us to propagate the gospel to the ends of the earth. More importantly, they remind us of our dire need to come close to the image and identity of Christ. With these holy words, we are given the assurance that eternal life beckons those who believe in His name.
I cannot imagine any of it. It is a nightmare that led to my salvation as well as all who seek Him. I look forward to meeting Him face to face one day.
This is no doubt,the words have reached my understanding. Thanks so much 🙏 we