The Seven Last Words

Prayer of Illumination

Eternal God,

Quiet our hearts, that through the story of the passion and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we may have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.

Introduction

There are a lot of sermons that focus on one or two of the last things Jesus said on the cross. Often a message will focus on one particular Gospel’s account of the crucifixion, gleaning insight from the details in that account.

As we delve into the last seven statements of Jesus, visualize an artist painting a masterpiece. With each careful stroke, He reveals a deeper meaning and emotion. So, too, did Jesus craft His final words, each statement a brushstroke upon the canvas of humanity's redemption. These utterances are not mere sentences but a profound declaration of love, sacrifice, and hope. Understanding their significance can transform not only how we view His death but also our own lives as we carry forth His messages.

Although it means we will be jumping around a lot today, it’s good for us to take a closer look at all seven things Jesus said from the cross according to the Gospel accounts. Jesus was both fully God and fully human, and his words from the cross give us a close-up look at both his divinity and his humanity.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:33–34 NASB 2020

And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.

a. Even while suffering, Jesus wanted to see others forgiven. Sometimes we tend to wait until the hurtful thing has passed, until we’ve had time to process and heal, before we think about forgiveness.

Jesus shows us another way, forgiving even as the evil is being done. He is practicing what he has preached.

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

b. Jesus acknowledged that they didn’t even fully understand the depth of their depravity, even as they cast lots and divided up his clothing while he suffered in front of them.

We share the Gospel with others because we want them to see their sinful ways and to return to the Lord. We really understand our own depravity when the Holy Spirit illuminates our hearts.

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

Luke 23:39–43 NASB 2020

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

a. One of the criminals mocked Jesus, but the other defended him.

c. Two Thieves—Two Responses

One criminal rejects Jesus, mocking Him. → A reminder: not all will accept Christ.

The other recognizes Jesus for who He truly is.

Jesus stands in the middle as the bridge between humanity and the Father.

d. Acknowledgment of Sin and Justice

He admits his guilt and understands he deserves punishment. → Sin brings condemnation, and the criminal recognizes and owns it.

e. Recognition of Jesus’ Innocence

He sees Jesus as the Innocent One, wrongly condemned. → Even with limited understanding, he shows faith.

f. A Simple Yet Saving Faith

He places his hope in Jesus with childlike trust. → “I do not understand the whole of it, but I trust the One who does.”

g. Jesus’ Promise

Jesus assures him: “You will be with me in Paradise.”

→ Jesus’s grace for the man was even greater than what the man requested. Instead of just remembering him, Jesus welcomed him. → His faith is rewarded with immediate presence with Christ. → Paradise is a place of peace and rest—the first stop before Heaven.

“Woman, here is your son” and, “Here is your mother.”

John 19:25–27 NASB 2020

Now beside the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. So when Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

a. Even as he died, Jesus cared for the needs of his mother.

It was a cultural expectation for the eldest son to care for the parents, especially their mothers, as they aged. Jesus knew he could trust John to care for his mother after he died.

Jesus was probably comforted by her presence, but it’s also likely he didn’t want her to see his suffering. Even as he suffered, his concern was with making sure his mother would be cared for.

John was the only one beside her to give her comfort as she watched her Son die on the cross.

b. Something of note is that Mary didn’t shy away from Jesus’s suffering but stayed with him at the cross until the end.

All the memories Mary had treasured in her heart throughout Jesus’ life came rushing back in this moment, giving her the strength to endure the unimaginable suffering of watching her Son's agony.

Jesus’ love is a selfless love that has a concern for others rather than himself.

Mark 10:45 NASB 2020

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” or, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:45–46 NASB 2020

Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “eli, eli, lema sabaktanei?” that is, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

a. Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, which is a psalm of trust in God. This psalm laments the pain of hardship yet trusts in the deliverance of God. By quoting it, Jesus could have been implying his own sadness even while asserting his trust in the Father.

Even in the worst of the worst, Jesus uses Scripture and prayer to declare his trust in the Father.

b. From noon to 3 PM, Jesus was battling the darkness and bearing the full weight of the punishment we deserved.

c. Quoting this psalm could also have been a way for Jesus to express the visceral pain of abandonment he felt at the deepest point of his suffering.

“I am thirsty.”

John 19:28 NASB 2020

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”

a. Jesus was still fully human as he died on the cross. He expressed a real, physical need.

It reveals just how human Jesus truly was—able to identify with our needs, sorrows, pain, rejection, and every struggle we face. We now have a God who not only understands His creation, but has walked in our shoes.

b. By saying this, Jesus fulfilled Scripture. Those near the cross lifted wine vinegar on a sponge to his lips.

“It is finished.”

John 19:29–30 NASB 2020

A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

a. Jesus knew his work on the cross was done, that God’s incarnational purpose had been accomplished.

The price was paid. The sacrifice finished. And from that moment on, the world was forever changed.

b. These were his last words recorded in John’s account. We have insight from John who stood at the cross and heard every word Jesus spoke and saw the extent of his suffering.

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Luke 23:44–46 NASB 2020

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the entire land until the ninth hour, because the sun stopped shining; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” And having said this, He died.

a. The last words recorded in Luke are different. Obviously we don’t know what Jesus’s true last words were. Either Gospel account is possible. The order in which he said them doesn’t matter as much as the fact that he said them.

Jesus made it clear—the work He came to do was finished. That’s what matters most: our salvation was secured, and through His death, He conquered death itself.

b. Even in his last moment of intense suffering, Jesus was giving everything to God. He committed his life to God during his years of ministry, and at the end, he committed his spirit to God in the last moment of his life.

The final words of Jesus are the words we’re called to live by—until the day He calls us home or returns for us. We must entrust our spirit to the living God, so our lives reflect Christ and proclaim His incredible story of salvation to the world.

To Sum It Up: Jesus' seven final words on the cross reveal His divinity, humanity, and the completed work of salvation, calling us to live in faith, love, and surrender to God.

Conclusion

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. Walk in kindness. Choose the high road—even when it leads through low places. Follow Jesus and carry your cross. This week, remember the sacrifice that changed the world forever.

Prayer Following Message

Heavenly Father, We thank You for the incredible sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His words remind us of His love, His forgiveness, and the finished work of salvation. Help us to follow His example, forgiving those who hurt us and trusting You even in our pain.

Lord, teach us to live with selfless love, caring for others as Jesus cared for His mother, and reflecting His grace in all we do. As we remember that the price has been paid, may we walk in the assurance of our salvation and share this hope with a broken world.

We commit our spirits to You, Lord, trusting in Your strength to guide us and empower us to live as faithful witnesses of Your love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessing and Sending

Charge:

As we leave this place today, let us remember the powerful words of Jesus on the cross. Let His forgiveness, love, and completed work inspire us to live boldly in faith. May we extend the same grace to others, reflect His love in all we do, and walk in the assurance of our salvation, knowing that Jesus has conquered death and made a way for us to live with Him forever.

Benediction:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Go in peace, trusting in His finished work, living out His love, and sharing His light with the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.