In this brief paper, we will take a moment to explore and analyze the seven final utterances made by Christ while he was on the cross. These significant sayings hold deep meaning and offer profound insights into his thoughts and feelings during his crucifixion. We will examine each statement and discuss their theological implications as well as their relevance to believers today.

Father, Forgive Them, For They Know Not What They Do (Luke 23:34)

Those who sentenced the Lord Jesus Christ to crucifixion did not comprehend the significance of their deeds. They did not realize they were bringing death to the innocent Son of God. One of the many assertions made by Christ, claiming His equality with the Father and, consequently, His divinity, was used against Him. This statement exemplifies Christ’s compassion and love, illustrating His readiness to pray for those causing Him suffering and setting an example for His followers to embrace forgiveness toward those who have hurt them, even if those individuals do not recognize the full impact of their actions. Throughout His life, Christ exhibited immense compassion and love, particularly for those who were lost. In this moment as He is being crucified, it seems that Christ is more concerned about the harm they are inflicting on their own souls than on His physical body.

Today, You Shall Be With Me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)

This profound statement made by the Lord Jesus serves as one of the most compelling pieces of evidence found in Scripture, demonstrating not only His incredible power but also His unwavering will to save souls. Even during the times when He appeared to be at His weakest and most vulnerable, Christ revealed Himself to be a powerful deliverer. In those excruciating moments when His body endured the greatest agony, He still managed to express tenderness and compassion towards others. Remarkably, even as He faced death, He conferred upon a sinner the gift of eternal life, displaying the depths of His mercy and grace.

Woman, Behold Thy Son (John 19:26)

In stark contrast to the heartlessness and indifference exhibited by the soldiers, there stood a group of four women who watched the unfolding events with a mix of deep love and profound sorrow. Among them was Mary, the mother of Jesus, who bore witness to the agony that filled her heart. This intense suffering she endured was a heartbreaking realization of Simeon’s prophecy when he stated, “A sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), reflecting the immense pain that would accompany her throughout Jesus’ passion. Acknowledging the depth of her grief and the heavy burden she carried, Jesus chose to honor His mother by placing her in the care of John, His closest and most cherished disciple, ensuring that she would not be left alone in her time of need. Meanwhile, His brothers and sisters remained in Galilee and were unable to provide her with the support or comfort she so desperately required during such a painful moment.

My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me (Matthew 27:46)

Jesus raised his voice and called out with great intensity, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This translates to “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This poignant phrase finds its roots in Psalm 22, a powerful lament psalm that conveys profound anguish and the feeling of being deserted by God. In this moment of despair, Christ was left in solitude not just for Himself, but for everyone, including you and me. He faced abandonment to bear the weight of our sins. Through His sacrifice, Christ triumphed over sin, defeated death, and conquered hell on behalf of all sinners. He endured the full extent of God’s wrath caused by sin, undertaken entirely for our sake, for you and for me.

I Thirst (John 19:28)

When Jesus, while hanging on the cross, proclaimed, “I thirst,” this statement carried a dual significance. On one hand, it expressed a genuine physical need, highlighting his severe dehydration as a result of the cruel torture he had endured, alongside the significant loss of blood. On the other hand, it held a deeper, symbolic meaning that reflected his profound spiritual yearning for the love, faith, and repentance of humanity, which were essential for accomplishing his divine purpose and fulfilling the prophecies found in the Old Testament. His cry for thirst was not just about physical water; it represented his desire for the spiritual “living water” that would bring salvation to individuals. Furthermore, when Jesus uttered the words, “I thirst,” he was referencing a prophecy from Psalm 22:15, which states: “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.” This particular psalm had already been mentioned by the apostle John in connection with the Roman soldiers who were casting lots for Jesus’ clothing (John 19:23), highlighting the fulfillment of biblical prophecy in the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.

It Is Finished (John 19:30)

This expression, which originated as the Greek term “tetelestai,” represented Jesus’ last utterance from the cross, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the creation of a connection between God and humanity through His sacrifice. Tetelestai is also a legal term that lawyers would use in the ancient world to mark that a debt had been paid in full. When Christ died on the cross He paid in full the debt of sin for all who believe and embrace Him as Lord and Saviour.

It encompasses the entirety of God’s will—namely, that He should become incarnate, face humiliation and scorn, suffer greatly, and ultimately die. All the tasks assigned to Him by His Father were accomplished, including preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and securing eternal salvation for His followers, all of which were now completed. The complete righteousness of the law was achieved; a holy nature was embraced, perfect obedience rendered, and the penalty of death suffered; thus, a perfect righteousness was realized in accordance with the law, which was enhanced and honored through this. Redemption from its curse and condemnation was ensured; sin was brought to an end, with full reconciliation and satisfaction provided; total pardon was secured, peace established, and liberation from all sins achieved. All adversaries were defeated; every type, promise, and prophecy was fulfilled, marking the conclusion of His earthly existence. He stated this because all those things were near completion, almost finished, and as certain as could be, requiring nothing more to be added. This was entirely accomplished without human assistance and cannot be undone. All of this has become even clearer through Christ’s resurrection from the dead, His ascension to heaven, His seating at God’s right hand, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the individual application of salvation.

Father, Into Thy Hands I Commend My Spirit (Luke 23:46)

In this passage, we witness the profound significance of Christ’s death, which is illuminated by the extraordinary events that surrounded it. Additionally, His death is further clarified by the final words He spoke as He surrendered His spirit. He willingly chose to offer Himself as a sacrifice. Therefore, it is imperative for us to strive to honor and glorify God through genuine repentance and a heartfelt conversion to a new way of living. We must actively oppose those who continue to crucify our Savior through their actions and choices. Furthermore, we should commit ourselves to living a life characterized by sobriety, righteousness, and godliness. It is essential that we use the talents and abilities we have been given in service to the one who not only died for our sins but also triumphed over death by rising again. Let our lives reflect our dedication to Him and our desire to spread His message of love and redemption.