The following are the last  seven words of Jesus  Christ on the Cross recorded in Scripture:
The first word: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”-Gospel of Luke 23:34
Jesus is looking down from the cross just after he was crucified between two criminals. He sees the soldiers who have mocked him, scourged him and tortured him, and who have just nailed him to the cross. He probably remembers those who have sentenced him – Caiaphas and the high priests of the Sanhedrin.
But is Jesus not also thinking of his Apostles and companions who have deserted him, to Peter who has denied him three times, to the fickle crowd, who only days before praised him on his entrance to Jerusalem, and then days later chose him over Barabbas to be crucified?
The second word: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” -Gospel of Luke 23:43
It is not just the religious leaders or the soldiers that mock Jesus, but even one of the criminals, a downward progression of mockery. But the criminal on the right speaks up for Jesus, explaining the two criminals are receiving their just due, whereas “this man has done nothing wrong.” Then, turning to Jesus, he asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
What wonderful faith this repentant sinner has in Jesus – far more than the doubting Thomas, one of his own Apostles. Ignoring his own suffering, Jesus responds with love and mercy.
Jesus shows his Divinity by opening heaven for a repentant sinner.
The third word: “Jesus said to his mother: “Woman, this is your son.” Then he said to the disciple: “This is your mother.” -Gospel of John 19:26-27
What sorrow must fill Mary’s heart, to see her Son mocked, tortured, and crucified. Once again, a sword pierces Mary’s soul. There are four at the foot of the cross, Mary his Mother, John, the disciple whom he loved, Mary of Cleopas, his mother’s sister, and Mary Magdalene. He addresses his third word to Mary and John, the only eye-witness of the Gospel writers.
The fourth word: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”-Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
One is struck by the anguished tone of this expression in contrast to the first three words of Jesus. This cry is from the painful heart of the human Jesus who must feel deserted by His Father and the Holy Spirit, not to mention his earthly companions the Apostles.
The fifth word: “I thirst.” Gospel of John 19:28
The fifth word of Jesus is His only human expression of His physical suffering. Jesus is now in shock. The wounds inflicted upon him are taking their toll. Systematic studies of the Shroud of Turin, as reported by Gerald O’Collins in Interpreting Jesus, indicate the passion of Jesus was far worse than one can imagine.
The sixth word: They put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished;” and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. – Gospel of John 19:29-30
The sixth word is Jesus’ recognition that his suffering is over and his task is completed. Jesus is obedient to the Father and gives his love for mankind by redeeming us with His death on the Cross.
The seventh word: Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”-Gospel of Luke 23:46
Jesus recalls Psalm 31:5 – “Into thy hands I commend my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” Luke repeatedly pleads Jesus’ innocence. Jesus was obedient to His Father to the end, and his final word before his death on the Cross was a prayer to His Father
Excerpted from http://www.jesuschristsavior.net/ Good Friday falls on April 3.
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
