The Seven Last Words Of Jesus On The Cross

Intro:

The last words said by a person who is about to die can show what their main concerns are and what their character is like. For example, there was a shop owner who was lying in his bed, and he almost died. His wife and children were around him. With his eyes closed, he said their names: Mey Ling, my wife, and my children: Cen-Cen, Ting-Ting, and Ling-Ling. They all answered: "I'm here, Pa." Hearing that, in a soft voice, he said: "If you are all here, who is looking after our shop?" What do you think is this man's main concern? Money! His business! He should be happy that in the last moments of his life, he was surrounded by all his family members.

Today, we will learn seven words that Jesus spoke on the cross before He breathed His last breath. From what Jesus said at the end of His life, we can see His character, mission, and concerns.

These are the Seven Last Words of Jesus:

I. Luke 23:33-34 --"When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Imagine this: You are accused by several people of having committed a crime that you never committed. You have tried to explain to these people that this is not true. But instead, they slap you, spit on you, torture you, and will kill you. How do you feel? Jesus experienced that.

Throughout His life, He never committed a crime or harmed other people. On the contrary, He always helps people who suffer, whether because they are sick, possessed by demons, excluded from society, or in danger, and free of people who are shackled by sin. He always teaches about love! But now He was tortured and sentenced to death in a ruthless way, namely by crucifixion. What was His attitude toward those who crucified Him? Instead of being angry, hating, and cursing, He prayed that His Father would forgive their sins. Jesus is a Man of forgiveness! He practiced what He taught: Jesus was the same in life and death. -- "But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them." (Luke 6:27-29).

Application: Jesus wants us to forgive our enemies or those who have hurt us or brought us damages (financial, physical, or reputation). It’s not easy to forgive them. Two days ago, we heard the news about the shooting in Moscow. Indeed, it is hard to forgive those shooters/terrorists. But Jesus calls us to follow His steps. May God help us!

II. Luke 23:39-43 -- "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Even when it would have been understandable to focus on His pain and heartache, Jesus remembered His mission that He came "to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10). With his last breath, Jesus was living out his mission or purpose in life. He is a Man with a mission! How about us? Sometimes, our love for the world or the problems that we face can make us lose our perspective and forget the purposes of our lives.

III. John 19:25-27 –" Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." Jesus always thought about others, even when He was in so much pain and suffering. He is a Man of Compassion! Matthew 9:36 says: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Before He died, He showed compassion to His mother and one of His disciples, John. He knew that His mother would have physical needs that must be addressed, and John would have emotional needs. May God help us have compassion for others even when we are in difficult situations.