The seven last words of Jesus on the cross (Seven, the number of completion or perfection!) Seven deeply poignant and touching words, Christ’s last utterances as He hung dying.
34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ Luke 23
Forgiveness is often difficult, but Christ chose to ask the Father to forgive those who killed Him.
43 Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ Luke 23
Jesus forgave the thief who called out to Him for mercy in death. He responded to one who was condemned by the law of men.
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ 27 and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19
Jesus remembered His earthly mother, Mary, even in death and ensured she would be cared for when He had departed.
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’). Matthew 27
For the first time ever in His earthly life Jesus experienced separation from His Father and was heartbroken.
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ John 19
Jesus suffered the physical symptoms of a slow and painful death, nothing glamorous about it.
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19
Jesus completed the calling upon His life, despite much suffering. May God give each of us grace to fulfill our callings, no matter what we face.
46 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
The Lord’s final words, looking to the Father, the creator of all spirits.
May the Lord bless and keep you at this Easter time. Immanuel, God is with us.