THE SEVEN LAST SAYINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS

But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. Luke 23:34

Lesson: Forgiveness is asked not merely for those who do not deserve it, but also, for those who never receive it.

And he (the thief) was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise. Luke 23:42-43

Lesson: Christ guaranteed mercy to the one who asked, but in doing so, also revealed the compassion and authority and assurance of a King.

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household. John 19:26-27

Lesson: Beneath the cross is where Christian family and love are experienced.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

Lesson: Because Christ was punished, we need not be. Because Jesus was forsaken, we will never be abandoned or left helpless.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

Lesson: Christ has thirsted that our thirst might be forever quenched.

When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Lesson: Since Christ victoriously completed the work of atoning for sin, once for all, no one else needs to do that. The gift of eternal life was fully purchased!

And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, Into Thy hands I commit My spirit.” And having said this, He breathed His last. Luke 23:46

Lesson: Christ showed unwavering confidence and faith in His Father to care for Him. Jesus showed us the way to die. Like Christ, we can put ourselves in God’s hands when we die, but also, in every day that we live.