The Final Words - Part 1

After the Roman Praetorium, we continue our journey with our arrival at the cross. After he was handed over by Pilate, he was beaten, flogged, and condemned to die, although he was innocent. In addition to contemplating the stations of the cross, Christians have also meditated on the final words of Jesus as he was dying. Now, we are in the final hours and minutes of our Savior with these seven utterances. These seven utterances can be grouped into three main categories, that speak to us about Christ. The first three focus on other people, even while he is suffering and dying.

THE FIRST WORD: John 19:26-27

"Woman, this is your son."

"This is your mother."

THE SECOND WORD: Luke 23:34

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

THE THIRD WORD: Luke 23:43

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

How amazing is it that three of the seven sayings on the cross are about Jesus’ concern and service to others instead of himself? In none of these prayers does he ask God the Father to lessen or shorten his suffering on the cross. The first word was to his mother Mary and to his beloved disciple John. Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John, and it is a beautiful picture of the love of a son for his mother. The second and third words remind us of the very reason that Jesus took on flesh and offered himself up as the perfect sacrifice. Jesus’ second word was a prayer asking God the Father to forgive the very people who are crucifying him. Jewish and Roman leaders really did not know what they were doing in killing the Creator of the universe, their Savior. The third word is to the thief on the cross next to him. Due to the thief’s repentance and confession of faith, Jesus comforted him in the midst of his pain with the promise of heaven after death. This is the incredible demonstration of the Gospel, the good news. Like the thief, we deserve only death for our evil, our sin. Yet, Jesus’ mercy brought forgiveness and our entrance to paradise.

As we prepare for Easter, we need to remember that some of Jesus’ final words were not for himself but were spoken instead out of love for others. This is the ultimate example of sacrificial, servant-like love.

Let us pick up our cross and follow him.