Seven Last Words

1 – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus was asking God the Father to forgive those who were responsible for his crucifixion, including the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders.
Jesus was expressing his divine mercy and compassion, even in the midst of extreme suffering.
The phrase “they know not what they do” indicates that Jesus recognized the ignorance and lack of understanding that drove his persecutors to act as they did.
Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness demonstrates his love for humanity, and his desire that all people be saved and reconciled with God.

2 – “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
This statement was made by Jesus Christ to one of the criminals who was being crucified alongside him.
The criminal had acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and asked him to remember him when he entered his kingdom.
Jesus’ response indicates that the criminal will indeed be saved and will join him in paradise that very day.
This statement emphasizes the power of Jesus’ saving grace and the possibility of redemption for even the most desperate and sinful people.
It also highlights the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus as the path to eternal life and salvation.

3 – “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
This statement was made by Jesus Christ to his mother Mary and the apostle John while he was being crucified on the cross.
Jesus was entrusting the care of his mother to John, as he knew that he would not be able to provide for her after his death.
This statement emphasizes the importance of family relationships and caring for one another, even in the face of extreme adversity.
It also highlights the deep love and concern that Jesus had for his mother, even in the midst of his own suffering.

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)
Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22, which is a prayer of lament that expresses feelings of abandonment and despair.
Jesus’ use of this phrase indicates that he was experiencing a sense of profound isolation and separation from God, as he bore the sins of humanity on the cross.
This statement underscores the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the extent of his willingness to identify with humanity in our suffering and brokenness.

5 – “I thirst” (John 19:28)
Jesus was expressing his physical thirst and suffering, which were common symptoms of crucifixion.
This statement emphasizes the reality of Jesus’ humanity and the physical pain and agony that he endured on behalf of humanity.
It also underscores the importance of caring for the physical needs of others, especially those who are suffering or marginalized.

6 – “It is finished” (John 19:30)
Jesus was declaring that his mission of redemption was complete, and that he had accomplished everything that he had come to do.
This statement underscores the centrality of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection in Christian theology, as it represents the ultimate victory over sin and death.
It also highlights the power of Jesus’ love and obedience, as he willingly gave up his life in order to reconcile humanity with God.

7 – “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
Jesus was entrusting his spirit, or his life force, to God the Father as he prepared to die.
It also highlights the significance of Jesus’ death as a voluntary act of sacrifice, rather than a defeat or a failure.
Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example of surrendering their lives to God, and to trust in God’s faithfulness and love, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty.
This statement also serves as a reminder of the hope and promise of resurrection, as Jesus’ death and resurrection represent the ultimate victory over sin and death, and offer the possibility of eternal life to all who believe.