Seven Sayings of the Savior

EXCITE

At Calvary, as the Savior hung suspended between heaven and earth, seven times He spoke. Each word, like a jewel, shines with profound meaning. These sayings, spoken in His dying moments, reveal the heart of God, the fullness of Christ’s mission, and the way of salvation for sinners.

EXPLORE

He Speaks Forgiveness

Luke 23:34 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

The first word from the cross was not of anger or judgment, but intercession. Jesus prayed for His enemies—even as the nails pierced His flesh. The One who had every right to condemn, instead pleaded for mercy. His public ministry had begun with prayer, and now it ends with prayer. Here we are taught that even in suffering, we can love our enemies and pray for those who wrong us. His prayer was not in vain. It bore fruit at Pentecost, and continues to bear fruit today, for He ever lives to intercede for us.

Let us bow before Christ and thank Him for His forgiveness.

He Speaks Salvation

Luke 23:43 “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

Crucified beside Jesus was a thief—guilty, condemned, without hope. And yet, in his final hour, he turned to Christ in faith. No time for works. No chance to make amends. Just a desperate plea: “Remember me.” And Jesus responded with grace: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Salvation, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This thief, unworthy by every measure, is now an eternal witness to the power and mercy of a saving Savior.

Let us pray and thank God the hope we have in Christ.

He Speaks Affection

John 19:26–27 “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 to his own home.”

Even as Jesus bore the sins of the world, He did not overlook the needs of His own. With tender affection, He entrusts His mother to the care of the beloved disciple. Mary, who had carried the child, now watches Him die—and the sword foretold by Simeon pierces her soul. Yet Jesus, the suffering Son, sees her pain and provides for her future. His love does not overlook our personal needs. He is both Redeemer and Son, both mighty and compassionate.

As we bow, lay any burdens you have at the Savior’s feet, trusting His love to meet our needs.

He Speaks Anguish

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””

This is the cry that echoes into eternity. For the first and only time, the Son speaks not of “Father,” but “My God.” In that moment, He bore the full weight of divine wrath for sin. Forsaken, so that we might be forgiven. Silenced heaven, so that we might gain access. This was not confusion. This was substitution. He quoted Psalm 22, proclaiming His identity as the suffering Messiah—even in the darkness. In His deepest agony, He still pointed to truth.

Let us meditate on the terror Christ has spared us from: the absence of the presence of God.

He Speaks Fulfillment

John 19:28 “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.””

Two simple words, yet full of meaning. Jesus, the Fountain of Living Water, thirsted. He who created oceans now parched in death. But this was no random cry—it was the deliberate fulfillment of Scripture. Psalm 69 had prophesied they would give Him vinegar to drink. Even in death, every detail unfolds according to divine plan. His thirst reminds us of His full humanity and His perfect obedience. Nothing was left undone.

As we pray, consider this — everything has unfolded according to His divine plan. Thank the Father for His Sovereignty over even the smallest details.

He Speaks Victory

John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

One word in Greek—Tetelestai—but it carries the weight of eternity. It is not the sigh of one defeated, but the shout of a conqueror. The work of redemption is complete. The debt of sin, paid in full. The curse of the law, satisfied. The serpent’s head, crushed. He did not say, “I am finished,” but it—the mission, the atonement, the work—is finished. Every believer can now rest, not in our effort, but in His accomplishment.

With thankful hearts, praise God that there is not a single sin left un-atoned. It is finished!

He Speaks Completion

Luke 23:46 “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”

With this final word, Jesus gave up His spirit. No one took His life from Him—He laid it down willingly. In this last act, we see trust, peace, and assurance as He quoted Psalm 31. As God rested on the seventh day, so now the Son rests, His work completed. He dies the final death, our Substitute and Sacrificial Lamb, that we might have eternal life.

Finally, thank God we are welcomed in by the once-for-all death of Jesus!

EXPERIENCE

Seven sayings. Seven fulfillments. Seven perfections. On the cross, Jesus revealed the heart of God: forgiving, saving, loving, suffering, fulfilling, triumphing, and trusting. May we never lose the wonder of His words—and may they shape our lives, our prayers, and our hope.