A person’s last words can be pivotal, telling you who they really are and capping off the purpose of their life in one final statement. Jesus had seven final phrases as He was on the cross, nearing death. Here they were:
1. Jesus Speaks to the Father about those who sinned against Him.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
– Luke 23:34
In the worst injustice imaginable, Jesus practices what He preaches. He offers forgiveness to anyone who would admit their sin and ask for it.
2. Jesus speaks to a criminal about paradise.
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
– Luke 23:43
To someone who definitely didn’t deserve it, Jesus received their humble repentance and granted them Paradise with Him.
3. Jesus speaks to Mary and John about their future.
"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.'” –
John 19:26-27
Even in the midst of His agony and death, Jesus cares for the practical needs of those He loves, His mother Mary and His friend John.
4. Jesus cries out to the Father in His agony.
"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')."
– Matthew 27:46
As the full weight of all of our sin fell on Jesus, He cried out as He was separated from His Father’s holy presence for the first and only time in all of eternity.
5. Jesus speaks about his practical needs.
"Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.'"
– John 19:28
Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer everything we have ever suffered. If He wouldn’t abandon us in the midst of His suffering, we can know that He won’t abandon us in the midst of ours.
6.
Jesus declares His mission complete.
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
– John 19:30
Jesus fully and completely accomplished His mission. He paid for every sin, including every one of mine and every one of yours. No exceptions.
7. Jesus’ commits Himself fully to the Father.
"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
He completely trusts in the Father, entering death in the same way he lived each day of his life. He simply offers up his life and places Himself in God’s hands.
Each one of these words can be the catalyst to your first steps of faith and the fuel for our ongoing life in Him.
As we begin this season of Lent, where do you stand with Jesus?
How do these words, spoken to people some 2000 years ago, also speak into your life?
How will you respond?
Pastor Jim
