Last Words of Christ

JESUS LAST WORDS ON THE CROSS

The seven last words of Jesus on the cross demonstrate both his humanity and his divinity, and capture the last moment Jesus went through to gain our forgiveness.

1. Father forgive them, for they know not what they do:

(Luke 23:34)

Forgiveness for those who arrested condemned and executed Jesus...but also forgiveness those who drove the nails into the hands of Jesus, and those who mocked him.

It is amazing to see the boundless mercy of Jesus. The first words He utters when he goes onto the Cross are words of forgiveness. This echoes what Jesus feels today when he looks down upon us and says the same words of forgiveness

Parallel verse: Matt 5:44 Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you-- Jesus is putting in practice his own teachings!

2. Today, you will be with Me in Paradise:

(Luke 23:43)

There were two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus, both gasping for life, and in horrible pain. The thief on the right had been watching Jesus; he knew this man was innocent. He just heard Jesus asking God to forgive the people--the thief hears about forgiveness straight from Jesus. So the thief says this man is innocent. He defends Jesus, while no one else does! He knows he's close to death...so he asks Jesus remember me when you come to your kingdom...he turns to Jesus for forgiveness, and Christ accepted him--today you will be with me in paradise. Jesus did not say "maybe" or "let me think about it" HE say TODAY!! And with me (JC)--not alone! This shows it is never too late to turn to Christ. Even in His (Jesus) misery, he had mercy on this criminal

Parallel verse: Hebrew 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more"

3. Woman behold your son!...Behold your mother!:

(John 19:26-27)

In the midst of all His pain, Jesus understands his mother Mary's pain of watching her son being crucified, he understands this and tells John, his beloved disciple to care for her.

The term woman at that time is a term of dignity and affection. Jesus is symbolically establishes Mary as the mother of all faithful disciples.

Jesus first thinks about forgiving other, then about accepting a sinner, then about family--shows how much He cares for others, and how we should too.

Parallel verse: 1Timothy 5:8

4. My God, My God why have You forsaken Me:

(Matt 27:46)

Now the whole earth is dark, and we hear a voice crying out!

Jesus says "Eloi, Eloi" which has the same meaning but in the Syrian language. This shows the seriousness of sin committed by humankind, and this sin dictated Jesus to take the guilt upon Him and crucifying sin. This does not mean God has forgotten Jesus; it shows God allowed Jesus to suffer and bear sin.

Also, Jesus is