The “Seven Last Words” of Jesus offer profound insights into His love, sacrifice, and the completion of His mission. From His plea for forgiveness for those who crucified Him, to His assurance of salvation to the repentant thief, each phrase reflects Jesus’ deep compassion, divine authority, and willingness to fulfill God’s plan. His words to His mother and disciple show His care for family, while His cry of abandonment reveals His deep emotional suffering on behalf of humanity. Jesus’ expression of thirst reminds us of His shared human experience, while “It is finished” declares the triumphant completion of His work. Finally, His trust in God, even in death, encourages us to surrender our lives into God’s hands.
These words are more than just the final utterances of a man on the cross; they are a blueprint for how we are to live out our faith—extending forgiveness, trusting in God’s plan, and reflecting the love and grace that Jesus embodied. As you reflect on these powerful statements, take a moment to consider how they challenge and inspire your own life. Keep reading to explore how these words can guide you in deepening your faith and understanding of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
When reflecting on Jesus’ crucifixion, many are drawn to His profound final words on the cross. These utterances, often referred to as the “Seven Last Words,” offer deep insight into His divine love, forgiveness, and purpose. Let’s explore each of these significant phrases and understand their impact on our faith and lives.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
As Jesus hung on the cross, His first words were a plea for forgiveness. Despite the agony He was enduring, Jesus interceded on behalf of those who were crucifying Him. This moment is a powerful testament to His unconditional love and mercy.
Imagine the scene: Roman soldiers driving nails into His hands and feet, the crowd mocking Him, and religious leaders sneering. Yet, in the midst of this suffering, Jesus chose compassion over condemnation. He asked His Father to forgive them, showing us the depth of His grace.
This teaches us that forgiveness is at the heart of Jesus’ message. No matter how deeply we’ve been wronged, His example encourages us to seek and extend forgiveness, even in the most painful circumstances.
2. “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Beside Jesus, two criminals were also crucified. One of them recognized Jesus’ innocence and divine nature, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” In response, Jesus promised, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This statement assures us of the immediacy of salvation for those who believe in Him. Even at the eleventh hour, the repentant thief’s faith was enough to secure a place in heaven. Jesus’ words highlight His power to save and His readiness to welcome anyone who turns to Him, regardless of their past.
3. “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
In His final moments, Jesus saw His mother, Mary, standing near the cross with John, the disciple whom He loved. Addressing Mary, He said, “Woman, here is your son,” and to John, “Here is your mother.”
By doing so, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John. This act of love and responsibility underlines the importance of family and community. Even in His suffering, Jesus was mindful of His mother’s welfare, ensuring she’d be cared for after His death.
This gesture reminds us to look after one another, especially our loved ones, reflecting the same care and concern Jesus showed.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
This cry of abandonment, spoken in Aramaic as “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” reflects Jesus’ profound sense of isolation and distress. At this moment, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin, Jesus experienced a separation from God the Father.
These words echo Psalm 22, a prophetic psalm that describes the suffering of the righteous. Jesus’ lament reveals His true humanity and the depth of His suffering on our behalf. It shows that even in the darkest moments, He understands our pain and despair.
When you feel abandoned or alone, remember that Jesus has been there, too. His words encourage us to cry out to God, knowing that He’s with us in our suffering.
5. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
In the agony of crucifixion, Jesus expressed a basic human need: thirst. This simple statement, “I am thirsty,” fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 69:21: “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
It’s a poignant reminder of Jesus’ humanity. He felt physical pain and suffering just as we do. This moment shows that Jesus, though divine, shared in our human experiences and frailties.
By expressing His thirst, Jesus also highlights His complete submission to God’s will, enduring everything necessary to fulfill His mission of salvation.
6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
With these powerful words, “It is finished,” Jesus declared the completion of His earthly mission. In Greek, it’s “Tetelestai,” an accounting term meaning “paid in full.”
Jesus’ death wasn’t a defeat but a triumphant conclusion to His redemptive work. He had borne our sins, fulfilled prophecies, and accomplished the purpose for which He was sent.
This statement reassures us that the debt of sin has been paid. We no longer need to strive for redemption through our efforts; Jesus has completed the work for us. It’s a call to rest in His finished work and embrace the salvation He offers.
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
Jesus’ final words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” reflect His trust and surrender to God. Even in death, He placed Himself in the Father’s care, fulfilling Psalm 31:5.
These words signify Jesus’ willing submission to God’s plan and His assurance of the Father’s love.
For us, it’s a profound expression of faith and trust. In moments of fear or uncertainty, Jesus’ example encourages us to surrender our lives into God’s hands, trusting in His faithful care and ultimate plan.
Conclusion
The last seven words of Jesus on the cross are a rich tapestry of love, forgiveness, humanity, and divine fulfillment. Each phrase offers deep insight and comfort, reminding us of His profound love and the depth of His sacrifice.
As you reflect on these words, may they inspire you to live with greater compassion, trust, and gratitude for the immeasurable gift of Jesus’ love and redemption.
FAQs: What Were the Last 7 Words Jesus Said?
1. What are the “Seven Last Words” of Jesus?
The “Seven Last Words” refer to the final seven statements Jesus made while He was crucified. These words are significant because they offer deep insights into His love, humanity, and divine purpose. They are recorded in the Gospels and each phrase holds profound meaning for Christians.
2. Why is Jesus’ plea for forgiveness significant?
Jesus’ first statement, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), highlights His extraordinary compassion and grace. Despite being wronged, He sought forgiveness for His executioners, demonstrating the depth of His love and teaching us the importance of forgiving others, even in painful circumstances.
3. What does Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross teach us?
Jesus told the repentant thief, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This assures us that salvation is immediate and accessible to anyone who believes in Jesus, regardless of their past. It underscores His power to save and His readiness to welcome anyone who turns to Him.
4. Why did Jesus address Mary and John from the cross?
Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son,” and to John, “Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27). This act of love and responsibility ensured that His mother, Mary, would be cared for after His death. It emphasizes the importance of looking after our loved ones and creating a supportive community.
5. What is the meaning behind Jesus’ cry of abandonment?
When Jesus exclaimed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34), He expressed a deep sense of isolation as He bore the sins of the world. This cry reflects His human experience of suffering and connects to Psalm 22, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and His identification with human anguish.
6. Why did Jesus say, “I am thirsty”?
Jesus’ statement, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28), shows His humanity and fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 69:21. It reminds us that He experienced physical suffering and shared in our human frailties, highlighting His complete submission to God’s will.
7. What does “It is finished” signify?
When Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He announced the completion of His redemptive work. The Greek term “Tetelestai” means “paid in full,” signifying that Jesus had accomplished His mission and fulfilled the prophecies. This reassures us that the debt of sin has been paid, and we can rest in His finished work.
8. What does Jesus’ final statement, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” mean?
In His last words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46), Jesus expressed His trust and surrender to God. This statement reflects His willing submission to the Father’s plan and His assurance of God’s love and care. It serves as a powerful example of faith and trust for us to follow in moments of uncertainty.
9. How do the last seven words of Jesus apply to my life?
Each of the last seven words of Jesus offers valuable lessons for our lives. They encourage us to forgive, to trust in Jesus’ promise of salvation, to care for our loved ones, to seek God’s presence in our suffering, to acknowledge our human needs, to rest in Jesus’ completed work, and to surrender our lives to God’s care.
10. Where can I find these sayings in the Bible?
The “Seven Last Words” are found across the four Gospels in the New Testament:
- Forgiveness: Luke 23:34
- Salvation: Luke 23:43
- Relationship: John 19:26-27
- Abandonment: Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
- Distress: John 19:28
- Triumph: John 19:30
- Reunion: Luke 23:46
11. Why is it important to reflect on Jesus’ final words?
Reflecting on Jesus’ final words helps deepen our understanding of His sacrifice and love. These statements provide insights into His divine mission, His humanity, and the fulfillment of God’s plan for our redemption. They can inspire and guide us in our own faith journey.
12. How can I apply the lessons from these sayings to my daily life?
You can apply the lessons from Jesus’ last words by practicing forgiveness, embracing faith in difficult times, caring for others, seeking God’s presence in your struggles, acknowledging your needs, resting in the assurance of salvation, and trusting in God’s plan for your life.
