What Jesus' Last Words on the Cross Mean for Us (Preparing for Easter)

 As we prepare for Easter, one of the most profound aspects of the Passion of Christ is the final words Jesus spoke while hanging on the cross. These words, uttered in His final moments, are not just the last expressions of a man facing death they are rich with theological depth and eternal significance. They reveal profound truths about Jesus' mission, His relationship with the Father, and the salvation He came to bring.

In this post, we will explore the seven last words of Jesus on the cross, understand their meaning, and reflect on how they speak to us today as we approach Easter.

1. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

The first words spoken by Jesus from the cross reveal His heart of mercy and forgiveness. In the midst of excruciating pain and mockery, Jesus’ first concern is for the forgiveness of those who are responsible for His crucifixion. This statement is not only directed at the Roman soldiers who were carrying out the execution, but also to those who had rejected Him, including the religious leaders and the crowd.

Meaning for Us:

Jesus’ request for forgiveness highlights the incredible depth of God’s grace. He does not hold His accusers’ actions against them, and He offers forgiveness even to those who do not understand the severity of their sin. This teaches us that no matter how far we may have fallen, God’s forgiveness is always available if we turn to Him with a repentant heart. As we approach Easter, we are reminded that through Jesus’ death, forgiveness is made possible for all who believe in Him.

2. "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

When one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus repented and asked for Jesus’ mercy, Jesus responded with words of assurance and hope. Despite his criminal past, this man would be with Jesus in paradise that very day.

Meaning for Us:

This statement is a profound demonstration of God’s grace. Jesus didn’t wait for the man to prove his worthiness; He simply extended grace. It reveals that salvation is not based on our works or righteousness, but on God’s grace alone. No matter our past, we can find redemption in Jesus. As we reflect on Easter, we can take comfort in knowing that salvation is available to anyone who calls on Jesus, regardless of their past mistakes.

3. "Woman, here is your son." And to the disciple, "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27)

As Jesus hung on the cross, He saw His mother, Mary, standing nearby with the disciple John. In His final moments, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, indicating that He had deep concern for her well-being even as He faced His own death.

Meaning for Us:

This act of care and love shows us the importance of community and relationships. Even in His suffering, Jesus prioritized the needs of others. For us, it’s a reminder that we are called to look out for one another, especially during times of hardship. Jesus' words also remind us that, as believers, we are a family in Christ. Just as He entrusted His mother to John, we are called to care for each other as a spiritual family, supporting one another in both physical and emotional needs.

4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)

These words are a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, where David expresses his anguish and sense of abandonment. Jesus, in His deepest moment of suffering, felt the weight of the sin of the world upon Him, and He experienced the separation from God that sin causes. In this moment, Jesus took on the full brunt of the world’s sin, and in doing so, He was momentarily separated from the Father.

Meaning for Us:

Jesus’ cry of abandonment speaks to the depth of His sacrifice. He experienced spiritual separation from the Father so that we would never have to. He took on our sins so that we might be reconciled with God. For us, this is a powerful reminder of the cost of our salvation. Jesus’ sacrifice was not merely physical; it was spiritual as well, and it opens the way for us to be in a restored relationship with God.

5. "I am thirsty." (John 19:28)

This simple statement, while indicating Jesus' physical suffering, also carries deep symbolic meaning. Jesus’ thirst is not just a literal need for water, but it reflects the spiritual thirst He experienced in His final moments thirsting for the Father’s presence, longing for the completion of His mission, and expressing the deep longing for reconciliation between humanity and God.

Meaning for Us:

In our lives, we often experience spiritual thirst longing for meaning, purpose, and connection with God. Jesus’ cry of thirst is a reminder that He is the living water who satisfies our deepest needs. As we approach Easter, we are reminded that Jesus, who experienced thirst on the cross, is the only one who can quench the thirst of our souls.

6. "It is finished." (John 19:30)

With these words, Jesus declared that His mission was complete. He had fulfilled all the prophecies, lived a perfect life, and now, through His death, He had paid the price for sin. His final statement on the cross is a declaration of victory over sin, death, and the power of the enemy.

Meaning for Us:

“It is finished” means that the work of salvation is complete. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for the forgiveness of our sins. We no longer need to strive for righteousness through our own works; Jesus has already accomplished it. As we prepare for Easter, we celebrate that Jesus’ death and resurrection make salvation freely available to all who believe.

7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

With His final words, Jesus willingly surrendered His spirit into the hands of the Father. He was not taken by surprise, nor was His death an accident. Jesus voluntarily laid down His life, trusting in God’s sovereignty and committing His spirit to His Father.

Meaning for Us:

Jesus' words of surrender remind us of the importance of trusting God in every aspect of our lives. Jesus’ example of complete surrender to the Father shows us that we are called to trust God, even in the most difficult circumstances. As we prepare for Easter, we are invited to surrender our own lives into God’s hands, trusting in His perfect plan for us.

Conclusion:

The seven last words of Jesus are not just the final utterances of a dying man; they are a profound declaration of His love, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Each of His words speaks to the depth of His mission and offers us insight into His heart for humanity. As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the incredible love Jesus showed us through His suffering and death.

This Easter, let us reflect on the meaning of Jesus' last words, embrace the forgiveness He offers, and surrender our lives to Him, knowing that He has finished the work of salvation on our behalf.