Can You Name Jesus’ Seven Last Statements from the Cross?

Can You Name Jesus’ Seven Last Statements from the Cross?

While the butchers who tortured and crucified Jesus were playing games, laughing and mocking him, he gasped for enough air to speak. His lips quivered and everyone wondered what he would say.

Who could blame Jesus if he used his last words to curse his torturers for their cruelty, denounce his disciples for their disloyalty, and spew out anger towards his God for allowing all this to happen?

For centuries, Jesus’ last seven words from the cross have been considered a summary of his true feelings, his primary desires, and his healthy choices in responding to life’s hardest challenges, including death.

How did Jesus respond to the Cross? He was:

1.      COMPASSIONATE not ANGRY in the face of PAIN

Jesus’ first word from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” John 23:34

 

2.      MERCIFUL not REVENGEFUL in the face of HARM

Jesus’ second word from the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

 

3.      PEACEFUL not FEARFUL in the face of DANGER

Jesus’ third word from the cross: “Dear woman, here is your son.” John 19:26

 

4.      HUMBLE not PRIDEFUL in the face of MISERY

Jesus’ fourth word from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

 

5.      CONTENTED not CONTROLLING in the face of DISAPPOINTMENT

Jesus’ fifth word from the cross: “I thirst.” John 19:28

 

6.      FULFILLED not DEPRESSED in the face of BRUTALITY

Jesus’ sixth word from the cross  “It is finished.” John 19:30

 

7.      CONFIIDENT not FRIGHTENED in the face of DEATH

Jesus’ seventh word from the cross:  “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.” Luke 22:4

 For more insights into the meaning of Jesus’ Seven Last Words and how they can help us in our daily lives, see Chapter 14: How do you MONITOR your heart? in my book, HEALTHY FAITH.