The Last Words of Jesus

Title: The 7 Last Words of Jesus: Insights into His Heart and Purpose

Introduction:

The seven last words of Jesus spoken from the cross encapsulate His profound love, mercy, and purpose. As we explore these words, let us open our hearts to glean the depths of His message and its significance for our lives.

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-46 (NIV)

Introduction:

Imagine the scene: a hill called Golgotha, where Jesus, our Redeemer, hangs upon the cross. The weight of the world's sins pressing upon Him. In His agony, He speaks, not with words of despair, but with words of love, forgiveness, and fulfillment of prophecy. Let us journey together through these words, understanding their significance for us today.

1. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34

Luke 23:34 NIV

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Who’s “them” could it be …

- In His agony, Jesus pleads for forgiveness for His executioners, demonstrating His boundless love and mercy.

- This reveals His heart of compassion, desiring reconciliation even amidst suffering.

Isaiah 53:12 (NIV)

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

- Application: As recipients of His grace, we're called to emulate His forgiveness towards others, even in the face of injustice.

2. "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43

Luke 23:43 NIV

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Salvation is personal - “I tell YOU”

Luke 23:40–42 (NIV)

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

- Jesus extends salvation to the repentant criminal beside Him, showcasing His desire for all to experience redemption.

- His promise of paradise underscores His purpose: to seek and save the lost.

Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

- Application: No one is beyond the reach of God's grace; let us share the hope of salvation with all, as Jesus did.

3. "Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother." John 19:26-27

John 19:26–27 NIV

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

- Even in His agony, Jesus ensures the care of His mother, entrusting her to the beloved disciple.

- This act of compassion reveals His heart for familial love and community.

- Application: As the family of God, let us care for one another with the same love and commitment exemplified by Jesus.

4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46

Matthew 27:46 NIV

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?”).

- In this moment, Jesus experiences the depths of human suffering, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22:1) and identifying with our struggles.

Psalm 22:1 (NIV)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish?

Psalm 22:16–18 (NIV)

Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

notice he did not use the word “father” he call “God” - God is holy - Jesus became sin -

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

- His cry echoes the human condition of feeling abandoned, yet ultimately expresses trust in the Father's plan.

- Application: Even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in Jesus, who understands our pain and offers hope through His presence.

5. "I thirst." (John 19:28

John 19:28 (NIV)

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

- Jesus, fully human, experiences physical thirst, yet His words carry deeper spiritual meaning.

Hebrews 4:14–15 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

God understand your pain - he went through many temptations bu did not sin

- His thirst symbolizes His longing for intimacy with us, inviting us to quench His thirst through our love and devotion.

- Application: Let us respond to Jesus' call by nurturing our relationship with Him, satisfying His thirst with our worship and obedience.

6. "It is finished." (John 19:30

John 19:30 (NIV)

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Tetelestai

Master and servant “work is done” John 17:4

Priest and animal sacrifice “perfect”

Artist “complete”

Merchant “receipt paid in full” sem divida

Prisoner “debt paid”

Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:12 (NIV)

But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Hebrews 10:17 (NIV)

Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts

I will remember no more.”

- With these words, Jesus declares the completion of His earthly mission, accomplishing salvation for all who believe.

- His sacrifice fulfills prophecy and secures victory over sin and death.

no bones of Jesus were broken to full fill the prophecy

Psalm 22:16–18 (NIV)

Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

- Application: Let us rejoice in the finished work of Christ, living in the freedom and assurance of salvation offered through His sacrifice.

7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46

Luke 23:46 NIV

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

- Jesus surrenders His life into the Father's hands, demonstrating absolute trust and obedience. WILLINGLY

John 10:17–18 (NIV)

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

- His final breath signifies the culmination of His earthly journey and the beginning of eternal life.

- Application: Like Jesus, let us entrust our lives into the hands of our heavenly Father, knowing that He is faithful to sustain and guide us.

Conclusion:

Beloved, as we reflect on the seven last words of Jesus, may we be profoundly moved by the depth of His love, the breadth of His mercy, and the magnitude of His sacrifice. Let us carry these truths in our hearts, living as faithful disciples who embody His love, extend His forgiveness, and proclaim His gospel to a world in need. Amen.