THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS

Before Jesus Christ—the Eternal Son of God, the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, and King of kings—breathed His last breath, He uttered seven powerful statements from the cross. These words, drawn from all four Gospels, are more than historical details; they are deeply theological truths revealing His mission, His heart, and the meaning of salvation.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:34 – “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

This is a plea for intercessory forgiveness. Jesus, acting as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), begins His final hours by asking the Father to forgive His executioners—Jew and Gentile alike. This underscores the doctrine of divine mercy and reflects Isaiah 53:12, which prophesied that He would “make intercession for the transgressors.” Even while suffering, Jesus embodies the love He preached:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

We are called not only to forgive but to pray that God forgives others, as Jesus did. Forgiveness is not just horizontal (person-to-person) but vertical (person-to-God).

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43 – “And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Spoken to the penitent thief, this statement affirms the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide). The criminal simply acknowledged Jesus as King (v. 42), and by that faith, he was saved. This also reinforces the biblical truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

No one is too far gone. Salvation is available—even at the last moment—for those who repent and believe. Paradise (from the Greek paradeisos) refers to the intermediate state of joy and communion with God after death (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8).

3. “Woman, behold, your son! … Behold, your mother!”

John 19:26–27 – “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

Even during His suffering, Jesus upholds the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) by honoring and caring for His mother. Theologically, this reflects the nature of the church as a new spiritual family (cf. Matthew 12:50). Mary and John become symbols of the new community born through Christ’s sacrifice.

Christian love is practical. True faith expresses itself in care for one another—especially in times of suffering and loss.

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46 – “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”

This cry echoes Psalm 22:1, a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. It reflects the mystery of divine abandonment—not because Jesus ceased being the Son, but because He bore the full wrath of God for our sins (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This is penal substitutionary atonement—Christ being forsaken so that we might be accepted.

Christ entered into complete alienation so we never have to. In our deepest suffering, He understands and has already taken the ultimate burden upon Himself.

5. “I thirst.”

John 19:28– “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’”

This declaration fulfills Psalm 69:21 and reveals both His full humanity and the sovereignty with which He approached His death. Theologically, it points to the cup of suffering He drank fully (cf. Matthew 26:39) and to the spiritual thirst He endured on our behalf—thirsting so that we might never thirst again (John 4:14).

Jesus experienced physical and spiritual suffering for us. In Him, our deepest thirst—for God, for purpose, for life—is quenched.

6. “It is finished.”

John 19:30– “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

The Greek word here is “tetelestai,” a legal and financial term meaning “paid in full.” This is a declaration of complete victory. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy, met every legal demand of the Law, and fully atoned for our sin. Redemption was accomplished.

We no longer strive for salvation—it is finished. We live in response to Christ’s finished work, not in an attempt to earn it.

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Luke 23:46 – “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”

Jesus voluntarily gave up His life (John 10:18). This final word is a quote from Psalm 31:5, showing complete trust in the Father even in death. It reminds us of the divine unity that remains, despite the moment of forsakenness.

For the believer, death is not the end, but a return into the Father’s hands. We can entrust our lives—and deaths—to Him with peace.

The Resurrection & Final Appeal

Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead. Death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). His resurrection is proof of victory over sin, Satan, and death itself. He now offers forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope to all who will repent and believe.

Are you still living in sin?
Do you see the price Jesus paid for you?

Don’t delay. Repent (Acts 3:19). Believe in the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:9). Invite Him into your life today. The time is short, and His return draws near.

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2 

May the Lord bless you and lead you to His truth and life.

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