Jesus’ Seven Last Words
from the Cross
1. “Father,
forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
This prayer
that the Father would forgive his enemies and executioners was actually
answered by his own death, which made forgiveness possible.
2. “Truly I
tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
this promise
offers paradise—a place of life, rest, peace, and fellowship with God—to the
repentant criminal being crucified beside Jesus.
3. “Woman,
here is your son”. .. “Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27).
Since Joseph had
presumably already died by this time, Jesus as the oldest son is now
responsible to care for his mother. He does so by entrusting her to “the
disciple whom he loved.”
4. “My God,
my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34; cf. Psalm 22:1)
Jesus quotes
Psalm 22:1, a prayer of King David who was suffering unjustly. As the ultimate
righteous sufferer, Jesus also confesses his feelings of abandonment by God.
5. “I am
thirsty” (John 19:28; cf. Ps. 22:14—15; 69:21).
Jesus likely
requested a drink in order to speak the final few words as well as to fulfill
Scripture. Here he alludes to Psalm 22:14—15 and Psalm 69:21.
6. “It is
finished” (John 19:30; cf. Ps. 22:31).
The word
“it” refers to his redemptive work, “finished” means to be “paid in full,” and
the verb tense indicates an action that has been completed but has ongoing
results. The Son’s work stands accomplished—now and forever!
7. “Father,
into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46; cf. Ps. 31:4-5).
The backdrop
is Psalm 31:4—5. Jesus anticipates restored fellowship with the Father and
entrusts himself to the Father’s care.
Ref: The
Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook - New Testament
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