THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS

THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 23:33-49
Supporting Texts: Matthew 27:45-50, Mark 15:33-39, John 19:25-30, Isaiah 53:3-7

INTRODUCTION
The last words of a dying person are often the most profound and revealing. The words Jesus spoke while hanging on the cross give us deep insights into His love, mission, and the redemption He accomplished for humanity. These seven statements, known as the "Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross," encapsulate His forgiveness, mercy, fulfillment of prophecy, and ultimate victory over sin and death.

As we reflect on these words, we will uncover their significance and how they apply to our Christian walk today. Each statement carries a divine message of hope, salvation, and triumph.

1. "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO" (LUKE 23:34)

This first statement reveals the heart of Jesus—full of love and forgiveness, even for His enemies.

a) Jesus prayed for His executioners (Isaiah 53:12)
Even in His suffering, He interceded for those who crucified Him.

b) True forgiveness is unconditional (Matthew 6:14-15)
Jesus exemplified the forgiveness He taught in His ministry.

c) Ignorance does not remove guilt, but mercy prevails (Acts 3:17-19)
Many acted in ignorance, yet God extended grace.

d) The power of intercession (Romans 8:34)
Jesus still intercedes for us today before the Father.

e) Biblical Example: Stephen Forgiving His Killers (Acts 7:60)
Just like Jesus, Stephen prayed for those who stoned him.

2. "TODAY, YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE" (LUKE 23:43)

This statement demonstrates God’s grace and the certainty of salvation.

a) Salvation is by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The thief had no time for good works, yet he was saved.

b) Repentance brings immediate restoration (1 John 1:9)
The thief acknowledged Jesus and received forgiveness.

c) Jesus has authority over eternity (John 14:2-3)
He assured the thief of a place in paradise.

d) No one is beyond redemption (Isaiah 1:18)
Even at the last moment, mercy is available.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son’s Restoration (Luke 15:20-24)
God always welcomes the repentant sinner.

3. "WOMAN, BEHOLD YOUR SON!SON, BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER!" (JOHN 19:26-27)

This third word reflects Jesus’ care for His family and spiritual responsibility.

a) Jesus honoured His mother even in pain (Exodus 20:12)
He ensured her well-being before His death.

b) The church is a family (Galatians 6:10)
Jesus established a new relationship among believers.

c) Christ provides for our needs (Philippians 4:19)
He assigned John to care for Mary’s future.

d) Love requires responsibility (1 Timothy 5:8)
We must care for our families and brethren.

e) Biblical Example: Ruth’s Commitment to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)
True love and responsibility go hand in hand.

4. "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (MATTHEW 27:46, MARK 15:34)

This statement reveals the weight of sin Jesus bore for humanity.

a) Jesus experienced separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
Sin separates man from God, and Jesus took our place.

b) He fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 22:1-3)
His suffering was foretold in Scripture.

c) Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)
He took upon Himself the penalty of sin.

d) The price of redemption was costly (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Salvation was paid for with His precious blood.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham Offering Isaac (Genesis 22:9-14)
Just as Isaac was spared, Jesus became our ultimate sacrifice.

5. "I THIRST" (JOHN 19:28)

This fifth statement highlights Christ’s physical suffering and spiritual fulfillment.

a) Jesus endured real human suffering (Hebrews 4:15)
He felt pain, thirst, and exhaustion as a man.

b) He fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 69:21)
The Scriptures had foretold His thirst.

c) Spiritual thirst is deeper than physical thirst (John 7:37-38)
Jesus offers living water to those who believe.

d) His suffering was part of our redemption (Isaiah 53:5)
He endured all for our salvation.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman at the Well (John 4:10-14)
Jesus satisfies the thirsty soul with living water.

6. "IT IS FINISHED" (JOHN 19:30)

This sixth word is a declaration of victory.

a) The work of salvation was completed (Hebrews 10:10)
Jesus fully paid for our sins.

b) The power of sin and death was broken (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Victory was secured through His sacrifice.

c) The law was fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17)
The old covenant was completed in Him.

d) No more sacrifice is needed (Hebrews 9:12-14)
Jesus' death was the final atonement.

e) Biblical Example: The Veil in the Temple Was Torn (Matthew 27:51)
Access to God was made available to all.

7. "FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT" (LUKE 23:46)

The final statement of Jesus shows His trust in the Father even in death.

a) Jesus willingly laid down His life (John 10:17-18)
No one took His life; He gave it.

b) Death is not the end for the believer (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Jesus entrusted His spirit to God.

c) Total surrender brings peace (Philippians 4:7)
We must trust God in life and death.

d) God is faithful to receive His own (Psalm 31:5)
Jesus committed His spirit to the Father in faith.

e) Biblical Example: Stephen’s Last Words (Acts 7:59-60)
Like Jesus, Stephen committed his spirit to God.

CONCLUSION
The seven last words of Jesus on the cross are not just statements of suffering but powerful declarations of love, redemption, and victory. They reveal His heart for forgiveness, salvation, care, sacrifice, fulfillment of prophecy, completion of the work of redemption, and total surrender to God.

As we meditate on these words, let us apply them in our lives—by forgiving others, trusting in God’s promises, embracing salvation, and living in victory through Christ’s finished work on the cross.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Lord, help me to always walk in the power of the cross.

2.  Father, grant me a forgiving heart like Jesus.

3.  Lord, let my life reflect the victory of Christ’s finished work.

4.  Holy Spirit, give me strength to endure and trust God completely.

5.  Father, help me to surrender every area of my life to You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that the finished work of Christ is active in my life!

2.  Every sin and condemnation is removed by the blood of Jesus!

3.  I walk in divine victory and total freedom in Christ!

4.  The cross has secured my destiny and future!

5.  I receive the fullness of God’s mercy, grace, and power!

May the power of Christ’s last words on the cross transform your life today!