The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most well-known events in human history. As Jesus hung on the cross, suffering immense physical pain and abandonment, He spoke seven final sayings that revealed His deity and embodied the meaning of His sacrifice.
The seven last words of Jesus Christ were:
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
- “Woman, behold your son: behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
- “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
- “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
- “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
These final words carry deep theological significance, providing a window into Jesus’ purpose, character, and relationship with God the Father and humanity. Examining them closely reveals the meaning behind Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Let’s explore each statement in depth.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
This first saying of Jesus on the cross embodies God’s limitless grace and mercy. As Jesus suffered undeserved torture and death at the hands of those He came to save, His words conveyed forgiveness rather than bitterness. Despite their actions, Jesus saw the crowd’s sinful ignorance and asked God to forgive them rather than punish them (Acts 3:17). This showcases God’s desire to freely offer forgiveness to all who repent, no matter the offense (Isaiah 1:18). It also provides an example for all believers to extend grace and refrain from vengeance (Romans 12:19).
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus spoke these words to the criminal crucified alongside Him who had just professed faith in Christ. This statement underscores Jesus’ deity, authority, and power to forgive sins and grant salvation. That day, He assured the newly converted criminal of his welcome into God’s kingdom, solely by God’s grace through faith. No man could rightfully make such a promise unless He was God Himself with power over eternity (John 10:27-29). This interaction clearly displayed Christ’s unlimited compassion alongside His authority to save lost sinners who call out to Him in faith (Romans 10:9-13).
“Woman, behold your son: behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
In speaking these words to His mother Mary and His disciple John, Jesus displayed selfless care and concern for others amid His own suffering. He ensured Mary would be cared for after His death, exemplifying the command to honor one’s parents (Exodus 20:12). This expressed His humanity alongside His deity. Though enduring unimaginable pain, Jesus remained focused on the needs of those He loved. As our merciful High Priest, Christ sympathizes with our weakness and cares intimately for His people (Hebrews 4:15).
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
This cry of anguish fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 22:1, revealing Jesus’ feelings of abandonment by God as He bore the sins of the world. Though always in perfect union with the Father, God turned away from Jesus at this point because of God’s perfect holiness and hatred of sin. As Christ took upon Himself the sins of mankind, He experienced the estrangement from God that sin causes. This underscores the gravity of sin and its just penalty of separation from God. Jesus willingly endured this to purchase forgiveness for sinners who trust in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“I thirst.” (John 19:28)
These two simple words emphasized Jesus’ humanity and expressed His physical suffering in crucifixion. The Son of God was also fully human. His untainted human nature experienced the agonies of flogging and hanging on a cross under the heat of the sun. When offered wine vinegar, Jesus refused to dull His senses but embraced the pain so He could endure the full wrath of God for sinners (Isaiah 53:4-5). As our High Priest, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). This cry reflected not only Christ’s physical thirst but also His passionate desire for restored relationship between God and man.
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
This powerful statement signified the completion of Christ’s atoning work of redemption. Jesus did not simply mean His earthly life was ending, but that His purpose in coming as a man to die was now fully accomplished. He had endured God’s wrath on behalf of sinners so that those who place faith in Him could be spared eternal punishment and given eternal life (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus victoriously bore and removed the power of sin, providing direct access to God for all who trust in His grace (Hebrews 10:19-22). The debt of sin was paid in full by Christ’s sacrifice.
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
Finally, Jesus entrusted Himself to God in death, submitting with full confidence to the Father’s purpose and plan. Despite enduring separation from God for a time, Jesus’ relationship with the Father was now fully restored, evidenced by His address “Father.” Like Psalm 31:5, Jesus’ words conveyed trust in God’s faithfulness, protection, and sovereignty. As the sinless Son of God, He had complete assurance of the resurrection victory that awaited Him on the other side of the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This final statement shown Jesus’ absolute trust in the Father’s will and care.
In His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus not only bore the sins of mankind to make atonement to God, He also revealed His identity and heart through these seven final sayings. They display His deity, humanity, authority, mercy, love, suffering, trust, and the full accomplishment of God’s redemptive work. As we reflect on the depth of meaning in Christ’s last words, may our gratitude and devotion to our Savior continue to grow.
