Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What would you say to someone you love if you knew this was the last time you’d see them? You don’t have time for wasted words but want to leave them with what matters most. Jesus’ seven last words weren’t the random ramblings of an angry, pain-consumed victim. Instead, they were intentional declarations of the promised Messiah as he raced toward the victorious completion of his purpose and mission. Although he was in unimaginable pain, Jesus pointed the watching crowd (and us) to who he was and why he came.
Table of contents
- The 7 Last Words of Jesus
- 1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. ( Luke 23:34 NIV)
- 2. Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. ( Luke 23:43 NIV )
- 3. Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother. ( John 19:26-27 NIV )
- 4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ( Matthew 27:46 NIV )
- 5. I am thirsty. ( John 19:28 NIV )
- 6. It is finished! ( John 19:30 NIV )
- 7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. ( Luke 23:46 NIV )
- Not Idle Words but an Intentional Message
- Join the Conversation
The 7 Last Words of Jesus
1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34 NIV)
Many who suffer injustice die with curses on their lips, but Jesus responded with mercy. Amid excruciating pain and despite the absence of repentance or apology, he extended forgiveness. His prayer fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant’s intercession for transgressors (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus shows us that forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. One that frees us even if others remain unchanged.
Where do you need to experience God’s forgiveness and extend it to others today?
2. Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43 NIV)
A dying criminal saw what the mocking crowd missed—the unjust crucifixion of an innocent king. Although the thief had no time to change or good works to offer, he admitted his guilt and pleaded for mercy. He knew he didn’t deserve salvation, but neither did those Jesus prayed for earlier. Perhaps Jesus’ first word ignited in the thief’s heart a flame of hope that he, too, could receive forgiveness. So he asked Jesus to remember him, to have mercy on him when he established his kingdom. Jesus assured the dying man of a place with him after death. In the same way, he offers us hope and presence not only for the future but also for today.
Who in your life needs to hear love and acceptance from you?
3. Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother. (John 19:26-27 NIV)
As Simeon predicted (Luke 2:35), watching her firstborn on the cross pierced Mary’s soul. When Jesus saw his mother standing with John, he commissioned his beloved disciple to care for her. Most scholars assume Joseph died many years before Jesus began his ministry. As the eldest son, Jesus felt responsible for his mother. With both her husband and firstborn son dead, Mary would be vulnerable with no man to support her. Even in his agony, Jesus noticed who needed him. He provided for his mother. Our misery is never an excuse to ignore the pain of others.
Which family relationship needs your attention today?
4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46 NIV)
Rather than hide his suffering, Jesus gave it words. The darkness that descended on Calvary that afternoon reflected the intense agony in Jesus’ heart as he bore divine judgment for humanity’s sin. He took the full weight of our sin so that in him, we could be right with God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) His cry recalls King David’s lament in Psalm 22:1 when he, too, felt abandoned by God.
Where are you struggling to understand what’s happening in your life?
5. I am thirsty. (John 19:28 NIV)
Jesus’ thirst revealed his humanity and reminded those watching of Psalm 69:21. “They put poison in my food and gave me vinegar to drink.” (NCV) During the first century, vinegar was a common cleanser used for everything, including personal needs. Some believe the soldiers offered Jesus feces-laced vinegar to drink. Jesus understands our pain because he, too, experienced suffering.
Where are you running on empty today?
6. It is finished! (John 19:30 NIV)
Tetelestai! Not “I am finished” (he wasn’t), but “it is finished.” A declaration of victory because the work is complete. Jesus paid the full price. His triumphant cry echoed the last line of Psalm 22. “They will tell people yet to be born about his righteousness—that he has finished it.” (Psalm 22:31 GW) Death didn’t signal Jesus’ defeat but the achievement of his intended purpose, the reason he came.
Where are you wrestling with accepting Jesus’ death as full payment for your sin?
7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46 NIV)
Jesus ends where he began—with the Father. Words of trust from a prayer (Psalm 31:5) he might have learned at his mother’s knee. No matter where we are or what is happening in our lives, we can rest in the powerful hands of God.
What are you trying to control that you need to release?
Not Idle Words but an Intentional Message
Jesus wanted those watching to realize he was the Anointed One, God’s promised Messiah. His last seven words were as deliberate as any he had spoken in his life. From forgiveness to trust, he modeled how to live when life is at its hardest.
The 7 Last Words of Jesus and How to Apply Them by @NancyLucenay on NancyLucenay.com Share on XJoin the Conversation
Which of Jesus’ last words is most difficult for you? Please share your thoughts in the Comments box at the bottom of the page.
Actually two of these are hard for me to deal with. First, how could Jesus forgive those who were killing him in such an inhumane way. That, only God can do. I have a hard time with the fact that Jesus did things the way he did. He could have saved people another way and stayed in heaven where he belonged. However, he came down here as a human and did life here and then gave it up for a wretch like me. This is an amazing feat and shows how only God can love. I cannot understand this kind of love. Even though I loved my husband dearly, with all my heart. That is the kind of love I know. Part of me died with him. It was the hardest thing that I have ever been through. I love my children and grandchildren and believe that I would give my life for them. I know that kind of love, but they are loving people. For Jesus to give his life for the rubbish of the earth is beyond my comprehension.
Second is when God turned his back on Jesus. That has to be the worst feeling of all feelings. Darkness, loneliness, suffering, and not having God there to depend on must have been the ultimate feeling of despair. I am so blessed that he sought me out, as unworthy as I am and saved my soul. How can anyone be more blessed than that.
Thank you for your writings. They are very helpful in so many ways.
Dear Sheila:
Thank you so much for your response. I agree—God’s willingness to forgive the unforgiveable blows our minds. As Charles Martin says, “There’s more mercy in Jesus than sin in us.” He forgives because that’s who he is. I doubt we’ll ever understand how he could know us and still love us. But he does. And aren’t we grateful!
Theologians say Jesus felt forsaken by his Father the moment he took on the full weight of our sin. Sin, after all, separates us from God. That feeling of abandonment was part of the price he paid for us. He took our sin and gave us his righteousness. Amazing and humbling.
Thank you again for reading and writing! Love you!
Nancy