The Seven Last Words of Christ

Pictures

The Damascus Gate

Where is Damascus?

Many believe Damascus to be the Oldest Inhabited City on the Globe

A city in southern Syria, the capital of modern Syria. Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Genesis 14:15 NLT

15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.

Aelia Capitolina

The name given to the city of Jerusalem by the Roman emperor Hadrian, who built a Roman city on the ruins of Jerusalem. Hadrian’s decision to build a shrine to Jupiter Capitolinus on the site of the Jerusalem temple likely contributed to the outbreak of the revolt led by Bar Kokhba in 132–35 AD.

SECOND JEWISH REVOLT* This Bar-Kochba Revolt, so-called after its leader, lasted from ad 131 to 135. The cause was twofold: (1) the emperor Hadrian made circumcision a crime punishable by death; and (2) he decided to rebuild Jerusalem and erect a shrine to Zeus on the derelict temple site. This incensed Jewish fury.

Bar-Kochba—whose name means “son of a star” and was therefore believed to be the “star out of Jacob” (Nm 24:17)—was hailed by many Jews as the Messiah. His guerrilla warfare tactics involved Jews and Romans in colossal losses, but Julius Severus finally eradicated Jewish resistance.

Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem, renamed it Aelia Capitolina, resettled it with Gentiles, and forbade Jews even to enter it, on pain of death.

The Last Words

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

Seven Last Words, The. Recorded words of Jesus between the time he was crucified and the time he died. These seven sentences are not found in any one Gospel. Instead, the first two and the seventh occur only in Luke, the third, fifth, and sixth only in John, and the fourth in both Matthew and Mark. The order is traditional; because no Gospel records them all, it is uncertain in which order they really came. Also unknown is whether Jesus said other things from the cross or whether the seven sayings are summaries of longer statements, but considering the trauma of crucifixion it would not be surprising if this were all he said.

1. Father Forgive Them

Luke 23:33–34 NLT

33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

Jesus showed more concern for others than for himself (

2. Today you will be with me in Paradise

Luke 23:39–43 NLT

39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

Luke does not record this statement to teach about the abode of the dead but to express the response of God to faith. One criminal quite understandably joins with the jeering crowd and gets only silence (

We are reminded of our choice - accept Christ and be saved, or reject Christ and be damned.

“The Cross dominated the Jerusalem sky that day. The Man on the center cross died for sin. The man on the left died in sin. The man on the right died to sin. One died to pay the penalty for sin. One died, pardoned from his sin. One died as a punishment for his sins. The cross in the center is the hope and provider of salvation. The crosses on either side represent the only two responses that are possible; to accept and be saved, or to reject and be lost.”

- Ken Heer, Luke; A Commentary for Bible Study

Who are we...?

The thief rejects?

The thief who recognizes?

3. Woman, Here is your Son

John 19:25–27 NLT

25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

Jesus has already cared for both enemies and a new convert. Now he turns to set his own house in order. John pictures Jesus as fully in control of the situation, and at this point that control is obvious as he calmly cares for his mother instead of focusing on his own suffering. Mary was also suffering as the “sword” pierced her heart (

4. My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me

Matthew 27:45–46 NLT

45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

It is now hours later than the first three words, deep in the darkness that covered Calvary for the last three hours. Suddenly Jesus cries out the first words of

Psalm 22:1–3 NLT

1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

Psalm 22:24 NLT

24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.

Psalm 22:27–28 NLT

27 The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. 28 For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.

Psalm 22:29–31 NLT

29 Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. 30 Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. 31 His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.

5. I Thirst

John 19:28 NLT

28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

At the beginning of the crucifixion Jesus was offered a drugged wine as a soporific to deaden the pain of crucifixion. He refused it (

Psalm 22:14–19 NLT

14 My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. 15 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. 16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. 17 I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. 18 They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. 19 O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!

6. It is Finished

John 19:28–30 NLT

28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

John completes the crucifixion account with this simple statement (a single word in Greek). The sentence naturally reveals relief and satisfaction that the pain and agony are over, that death will soon release him, but John’s context gives the word a deeper meaning. For John, Jesus controls the whole crucifixion. He said that no one could take his life (

7. Father Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

Luke 23:44–46 NLT

44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

Luke has a different picture of the end than John and the other evangelists. Matthew and Mark report only “a great cry” after the cry of dereliction, ending on a dark note. John ends with the completed work. Luke, who reports no feeling of forsakenness, ends by telling us the great cry was a quotation of

Psalm 31:5 NLT

5 I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

Psalm 31:14–18 NLT

14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. 17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. 18 Silence their lying lips— those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

Psalm 31:21–24 NLT

21 Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. 22 In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the Lord!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. 23 Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. 24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Some Thoughts

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Seven Last Words, The

The seven last words have a deep pastoral content which has captured the imagination of the church. Many forms for Christian meditation focus on these words. They have been celebrated in liturgy (especially Good Friday liturgies). They have been put to music (e.g., Heinrich Schütz in the 1700s). They have been an example of Christian behavior and a basis for passion theology (particularly the fourth). Thus they form an invaluable part of church tradition.

From the Pastor Resource

What do we take from all of these final words of Jesus? Jesus suffered, but even in suffering, he cared for the needs of others. He looked on with compassion at those who tortured him, asking God to forgive them. He wanted to make sure the needs of his mother would be met in his absence. He forgave the criminal on the cross, welcoming him into paradise.

In previous weeks, we’ve talked about what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Following Jesus to the cross means doing so without scorn or bitterness. We don’t begrudgingly carry a cross and spew venom at anyone who gets close enough to see our suffering. Instead, we take up our cross and lay down our lives with pure love for others and devotion to God. Whether you’re going through trials now or looking ahead to the next storm of life, follow the example of Jesus. Lead with love. Lead with kindness. Take the high road, even if it takes you to a low place. Follow Jesus and pick up your cross.

But, maybe there is more...

That suffering won’t be wasted - that God is still working

That in the midst of suffering, we are invited to still carry our cross, but think of others- not ourselves

That there is the practice of forgiveness

And, that there is the practice of confession and repentance to receive forgiveness

That maybe through these 7 sayings there is a message for us about hope, but also a reminder of the gravity of sin (but the freedom offered in Jesus Christ)

That maybe, just maybe, we need to forgive, be forgiven, think of others, and carry our cross through suffering knowing that SUFFERING WILL NOT BE WASTED - GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!