The Seven Last Words of Christ

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He spoke seven short but powerful statements. These are known as the “Seven Last Words” of Christ. They are found throughout the four Gospels and show what was on Jesus’ heart in His final hours. Each one teaches us something about His love, His pain, His mission, and His victory.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:34

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Even as He was being crucified, Jesus asked God to forgive the people hurting Him. This shows how deeply He loved them. He didn’t speak out in anger—He prayed for mercy. That same mercy is offered to us today.

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Jesus said this to the thief hanging beside Him. The man asked to be remembered, and Jesus promised him eternal life that very day. This reminds us that it's never too late to turn to Jesus. He saves those who believe, even in their final moments.

3. “Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother.”

John 19:26–27

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!”

Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, and His disciple, John. He made sure Mary would be cared for after He died. Even in His pain, He honored His mother. This shows how much He cared for people and kept God’s commandments, even at the end.

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This cry of anguish shows the depth of Jesus’ suffering. He was quoting Psalm 22. At that moment, He felt the weight of the world’s sin and the pain of separation from God. This reminds us of the great cost of our salvation.

5. “I thirst.”

John 19:28

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.”

This short statement shows Jesus’ true humanity. He felt physical pain and weakness. It also fulfilled prophecy from Psalm 69:21. Jesus was fully God, but also fully human—and He chose to suffer for us.

6. “It is finished.”

John 19:30

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

This was not a cry of defeat, but of victory. Jesus had completed the work He came to do. The debt of sin was paid in full. This moment changed history. God’s plan of redemption was fulfilled.

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Luke 23:46

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

With these last words, Jesus gave up His life willingly. He trusted His Father fully, even in death. This is a powerful example of surrender and faith. Jesus was in control to the very end.

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