The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ

on the Cross and What They Mean

The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ, spoken during His crucifixion, carry immense theological and spiritual significance. These words are not mere final statements but powerful proclamations that reveal the heart of the Gospel, the nature of Christ’s mission, and the depth of God’s love for humanity. Throughout history, these words have been reflected upon in church services, during the Lenten season, and at Good Friday observances, where they are meditated upon as a means of understanding Christ’s sacrifice.

In this article, we will explore each of the seven last words of Jesus Christ, looking at their scriptural background, historical significance, and deep theological meanings. These words speak volumes about Jesus’ character, His divine nature, and His ultimate purpose in offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Jesus’ first word from the cross is a prayer for His enemies. As He is being crucified, mocked, and rejected, His heart is filled with compassion rather than anger. He doesn’t curse His accusers or those who nailed Him to the cross. Instead, He prays for their forgiveness.

Meaning:

• Radical forgiveness: Jesus’ request for forgiveness on behalf of His persecutors demonstrates the radical nature of the Gospel. He exemplifies God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, even for those who actively participate in His suffering. Jesus’ words reveal the essence of God’s love for humanity—offering forgiveness before anyone asks for it, and forgiving even those who do not understand the magnitude of their actions.
• A Call to Forgive: This moment also serves as a call for Christians to forgive those who wrong them. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not just for those who seek it but is to be extended freely, even to those who don’t deserve it.

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

This statement is directed towards the repentant thief hanging beside Jesus on the cross. As the two thieves are being crucified, one mocks Jesus, while the other acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and asks for His mercy. Jesus assures the repentant thief that he will be with Him in Paradise that very day.

Meaning:

• Salvation is immediate: Jesus’ promise of paradise to the thief demonstrates that salvation is not a distant hope but a present reality. The thief’s simple faith—his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah—earned him immediate entrance into God’s presence, illustrating that salvation is available to all, regardless of past sins.
• Grace Over Works: The thief did nothing to earn his salvation; his words and faith alone were enough. This is a vivid reminder that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith, and not through any works or actions.

3. “Woman, behold, your son! … Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

In this third word, Jesus speaks to His mother, Mary, and to the beloved disciple (often identified as John), entrusting the care of His mother to him. While Jesus is suffering on the cross, He shows deep concern for the well-being of His mother, even in His final moments.

Meaning:

• Jesus’ humanity: This word underscores Jesus’ deep compassion and concern for His mother. Though He is enduring the most excruciating form of execution, He is not consumed with His own pain but is still attentive to the needs of others.
• A new family: Jesus’ action here forms a new spiritual family for His followers. By asking John to care for Mary, Jesus establishes the bond of love and care that should exist within the family of believers, marking the Church as a place of mutual care and responsibility.
• Jesus as the Son of Mary: This moment also reaffirms the humanity of Jesus. He was not only God incarnate but also a son, showing that He fully experienced the emotional ties and responsibilities of human life.

4. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

This anguished cry is perhaps the most heart-wrenching of all of Jesus’ words from the cross. In the midst of His suffering, Jesus expresses a feeling of abandonment by God. This statement is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, a messianic psalm that begins with a cry of distress but ends in a proclamation of faith in God’s deliverance.

Meaning:

• Jesus takes on the weight of sin: This cry reveals the depth of the suffering Jesus endured—not just physically, but spiritually. At this moment, He bore the sins of the world, and in doing so, He experienced a temporary separation from God the Father, a moment of spiritual desolation.
• Fulfillment of prophecy: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus is also pointing to the fulfillment of prophecy. While the psalm begins in despair, it ends with the hope of salvation. This reminds Christians that Jesus’ crucifixion, though filled with despair and suffering, is not the end. It is the necessary path leading to victory over sin and death.

5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)

Jesus’ statement, “I thirst,” is one of the shortest but deeply significant words spoken from the cross. In His extreme physical suffering, Jesus expresses His thirst, which is both a literal need and a symbolic statement.

Meaning:

• Humanity of Jesus: This statement reinforces the reality of Jesus’ full humanity. Though He was divine, He felt the same physical needs as any human, including thirst. He was not immune to pain or suffering but experienced it in full.
• Fulfillment of Scripture: Jesus’ declaration of thirst fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 69:21, which says, “They gave me vinegar to drink.” The offering of sour wine to Jesus was part of fulfilling God’s plan for redemption. It also points to the ultimate thirst for righteousness that Jesus experienced on behalf of humanity.
• Symbolic thirst: Beyond physical thirst, Jesus’ words symbolize the deep spiritual longing He had to complete the work of salvation. His thirst represents the yearning for reconciliation between God and humanity.

6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

In this word, Jesus declares that His work on earth is complete. “It is finished” (the Greek word is “tetelestai”) was often used in business transactions to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. Jesus’ use of this word signifies the completion of His redemptive work.

Meaning:

• Completion of the work of salvation: Jesus’ sacrifice was complete. The price for sin had been fully paid. There was no need for any further sacrifice or work to atone for sin. Through His death, Jesus secured salvation for all who believe in Him.
• Victory over sin and death: This declaration signifies Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. What began in the garden of Eden with humanity’s fall is now completed on the cross with humanity’s redemption.
• Assurance for believers: For Christians, “It is finished” is a powerful statement of assurance. There is nothing more that needs to be done to earn God’s favor—Jesus has already accomplished everything required for salvation.

7. “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

The final words of Jesus are a prayer of surrender. Jesus speaks directly to God the Father, committing His spirit into His care. This statement demonstrates Jesus’ trust in God, even as He dies.

Meaning:

• Trust and surrender: Jesus’ final words reveal His complete trust in the Father. Even in the face of death, Jesus surrenders His life into God’s hands, demonstrating perfect faith and obedience.
• Restoration of relationship: Jesus’ death is the culmination of His mission to restore the relationship between humanity and God. In surrendering His spirit, He is fulfilling His role as the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that the way to God is open for all who believe.

Conclusion: The Seven Last Words and Their Lasting Impact

The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the cross are not mere final statements—they are profound declarations that offer insight into the heart of the Gospel. From the forgiveness of His enemies to the final act of surrender to God, each word carries with it a deep theological significance. They teach us about God’s grace, the power of forgiveness, the reality of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, and the victory over sin and death that was won at the cross.

As we reflect on these words, we are invited to enter into a deeper understanding of the suffering that Jesus endured for us and the immense love that motivated His sacrifice. These words continue to speak to us today, challenging us to live in accordance with the message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption that Jesus secured on the cross.

Meta Description: Explore the deep meaning behind the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ on the cross. Learn about the profound theological and spiritual significance of these words and what they reveal about His mission and sacrifice.

Discussion & Comments: Which of the Seven Last Words of Jesus resonates most with you? What do you think Jesus was communicating through His final utterances on the cross? Share your thoughts in the comments below!