The last words a person speaks before his or her passing are widely considered some of the most important in their lives. There are countless stories of people sharing profound truths with loved ones who are gathered around them as they prepare to step to the other side of eternity. In addition to sharing their love with the people around them, many people also find peace when their loved one shares something in those moments. For example, the famous inventor, Thomas Edison’s last words were reportedly, “It is very beautiful over there.” His loved ones who had gathered around his bedside knew that he had seen a vision of Heaven.
As we approach the Easter season, it’s important to reflect on the last words of Christ. In the Gospel accounts, we read about seven statements that Jesus made while He was hanging on the cross. Thousands of years later, those words are still powerful and provide us with a wonderful opportunity to know more about the heart of God.
1. “Father Forgive Them”
Luke 23:33-34 (TPT)
When they came to the place that is known as The Skull, the guards crucified Jesus, nailing him on the center cross between the two criminals. While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, he prayed over and over, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” The soldiers, after they crucified him gambled over his clothing.
Of the seven cries from the cross, the first one involves Christ calling out for forgiveness for the people who were crucifying Him. Crucifixion was not only one of the most painful deaths of this particular era, but it was also one of the most shameful. People who were crucified were stripped naked and placed on crosses where they could be mocked, spat upon, and insulted.
The fact that Jesus called out for God to forgive the very people who were subjecting Him to that sort of torment speaks to the heart of the God we serve today. There are multiple instances in Scripture where Christ is referred to as a mediator between the human and the Divine. The fact that the crucifixion started with Christ calling for the forgiveness of humanity is certainly no surprise.
2. “Today, You Will Be With Me in Paradise”
Luke 23:42-43 (TPT)
Then he said, “I beg of you, Jesus, show me grace and take me with you into your everlasting kingdom!” Jesus responded, “I promise you-this very day you will enter paradise with me.”
When Jesus was crucified, there were two criminals who were killed on the same day. The Bible teaches us that Jesus hung between the two of them, providing each with an equal opportunity to interact with Him. Unfortunately, one of the thieves who hung beside Him failed to take advantage of the opportunity. Instead of seeking forgiveness, he mocked Christ. However, the other rebuked his fellow-thief, and sought repentance.
The man didn’t ask Christ to get him down from the cross. Instead, He asked Jesus to take him to Heaven with Him. Christ accepted the request, guaranteeing the man that when they died, he would be with Him for eternity. Everyone has an equal chance to cry out to Christ. Those that choose to receive eternal salvation.
3. “Here is Your Son, Here is Your Mother”
John 19:26-27 (TPT)
So when Jesus looked down and saw the disciple he loved standing with her, he said, “Mother, look-John will be a son to you.” Then he said, “John, look-she will be a mother to you!” From that day on, John accepted Mary into his home as one of his own family.
One of the last things that Christ did was to provide for the people in His life. While we don’t know about John’s family situation, many scholars point to this passage as evidence that John’s mother had passed away. History also teaches us that Joseph, the earthly father of Christ, had died by this point. With that in mind, He put Mary under the care of the disciple that was closest to Him. In doing so, He met the needs of both of them. Christ is passionate about providing for His people, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
4. “I Am Thirsty”
John 19:28 (TPT)
Jesus knew that his mission was accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
This passage is much more powerful than many people realize. What is so significant about Christ being thirsty? Why did the Holy Spirit prompt John to write this in the Gospel? Because in order for Christ to be the Promised Messiah, He had to fulfill every prophecy in the Old Testament. In Psalm 69:11, David wrote that the Messiah would be given vinegar for His thirst.
Jesus was so focused on the mission that God had set before Him that He made sure to fulfill every prophecy, no matter how minute it seems. When Jesus declared that He was thirsty, He fulfilled one of the last things that He had to fulfill, establishing His status as the Messiah, and sealing our salvation.
5. “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
Matthew 27:45-46 (TPT)
For three hours, beginning at noon, a sudden and unexpected darkness came over the earth. And at three o’clock Jesus shouted with a mighty voice in Aramaic, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?”-that is, “My God, My God, why have you deserted me?”
According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He became sin who knew no sin so that we could become the righteousness of God. However, God the Father cannot look at sin. His holy nature makes it impossible for Him to even look at sin. In the hours that He spent on the cross, Christ was the manifestation of every sin that we have ever committed or will ever commit. God had no choice but to turn His back.
Jesus allowed Himself to be abandoned so that we would never have to know that pain. Now, when God sees us, He doesn’t see our sin. Instead, He sees the price that was paid for us at Calvary.
6. “Into Your Hands…”
Luke 23:46 (TPT)
Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, I surrender my Spirit into your hands.” And he took his last breath and died.
Jesus’ life was winding down. By this point, He had spent the better part of six hours hanging on a cross, much longer than most people lasted. Large nails that resembled railroad spikes had been driven through His wrists and feet. Thorns had been pushed into His scalp. He had been beaten, stripped, and beaten some more. His body was wearing out.
Jesus had committed His entire existence to fulfilling God’s plan. In the final moments on the cross, He got to reap the rewards of doing so. When we commit our lives to God completely, we don’t have to fear the step of death. Instead, we can commit our eternity to God, allowing us to step into the eternal paradise that He has for us.
7. “It is Finished!”
John 19:30 (TPT)
When he had sipped the sour wine, he said, “It is finished, my bride!” Then he bowed his head and surrendered his spirit to God.
Finally, with the last breath that He would ever draw in His natural body, Jesus declared finality. However, He wasn’t saying that the crucifixion was over. Instead, He was bringing closure to God’s plan for our salvation. One translation reads, “It is paid in full, my bride.” The price for our sins was paid. The price for our eternity was paid. The price for our souls was paid when Christ declared that it was finished.
A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal impact of what took place on Good Friday. Thank You for the gift of Your Son and for paying the price for my sins. In Christ’s name, Amen.