The Last Seven Statements of Jesus On the Cross
Jesus pronouncing the seven last words on the cross is
a significant aspect of Christian theology and reflection on the crucifixion.
These seven statements are traditionally attributed to Jesus during his
crucifixion as recorded in the four Gospels. Each statement holds deep
theological meaning and is believed to reveal different aspects of Jesus'
purpose and the nature of his sacrifice.
The words spoken by Jesus on the cross are considered
profound expressions of his humanity and divinity, showing his forgiveness,
compassion, love, and ultimate victory over sin and death.
The first three statements focus on forgiveness and
compassion, including Jesus asking for forgiveness for those who crucified him,
promising a repentant thief a place in paradise, and entrusting his mother to
the care of the beloved disciple, John.
The fourth statement expresses Jesus' feelings of
abandonment as he quotes Psalm 22:1. The fifth statement shows Jesus' human
suffering and physical agony. The sixth statement signifies the completion of
his earthly mission and the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. The final
statement demonstrates Jesus' trust in God and his acceptance of his impending
death.
The seven last
statements of Jesus on the cross, also known as the "Seven Last
Words," are powerful and significant reflections of Jesus' final moments
before his death. Each statement carries deep meaning and offers insights into
Jesus' humanity, his mission, and his relationship with God.
1-
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they are doing."
(Luke 23:34) - In this statement, Jesus shows his compassion and forgiveness
towards those who were responsible for his crucifixion, demonstrating his unconditional
love for all humanity. Being crucified between these two criminals served to
highlight the contrasting responses to Jesus' crucifixion.
The first
word spoken by Jesus on the cross in Greek is "Πάτερ" (Pater), which translates to "Father"
in English. This word reflects Jesus' intimate relationship with God the Father
and his cry for divine mercy and connection during his crucifixion.
In Hebrew, the equivalent word would be "אבַ) "Av), also meaning "Father." This
word signifies Jesus' recognition of God as his Father and highlights the deep
spiritual connection between Jesus and God, even in the midst of his suffering
on the cross. The use of these words by Jesus emphasizes his trust in God and
his commitment to fulfilling his divine purpose, even in the face of immense
pain and agony.
2- "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) -
Jesus speaks these words to one of the
criminals crucified alongside him, promising him salvation and eternal life,
emphasizing the power of repentance and faith. Jesus was crucified between two
criminals as described in the Bible in the Gospel of Matthew (27:38), the
Gospel of Mark (15:27), and the Gospel of Luke (23:32-33). This positioning is
significant both symbolically and theologically. The two criminals are commonly
referred to as the "good thief" and the "bad thief" or the "penitent
thief" and the "impenitent thief" respectively.
The penitent thief, also known as the "good thief," acknowledged Jesus' innocence and asked for forgiveness, demonstrating repentance and faith in Jesus. In contrast, the impenitent thief mocked Jesus. This arrangement emphasized the themes of redemption, mercy, and forgiveness, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for salvation and transformation. From a theological perspective, this placement further symbolizes Jesus' role as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. By being crucified between two sinners, Jesus not only demonstrated his solidarity with all humanity, but also fulfilled the prophecy that he would be "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). This act of self-sacrifice is central to Christian belief, emphasizing Jesus' willingness to die for the sins of all people, offering the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.
In Hebrew, the second statement of Jesus on
the cross would likely be translated as "Amen, I say to you, today you
will be with me in Gan Eden." "Amen" in Hebrew also signifies
certainty and truth, affirming the certainty of Jesus' promise. "Gan
Eden" in Hebrew refers to the Garden of Eden or a place of delight and
pleasure, symbolizing the restored relationship with God and the eternal joy
promised to the repentant thief by Jesus. This statement reflects Jesus' mercy,
forgiveness, and the power of redemption even in the midst of suffering.
3-
"Dear
woman, here is your son... Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27) - Jesus entrusts the care of his
mother, Mary, to the disciple John, illustrating his concern for the well-being
of his loved ones even in his final moments.
The third
statement of Jesus on the cross, "Woman, behold your son; behold your
mother," is found in the Gospel of John 19:26-27. In this poignant moment,
Jesus entrusts the care of his mother, Mary, to the beloved disciple,
traditionally believed to be John.
This
statement holds deep significance for believers then and today. For believers
at the time of the crucifixion, this statement showed Jesus' compassion and
concern for his mother even in the midst of his own suffering. It emphasized the
importance of caring for one another and forming spiritual bonds within the
community of believers.
For believers today, this statement serves as
a reminder of the importance of honoring and caring for our families and loved
ones. It also symbolizes the idea of spiritual family and community, where we
are called to support and care for one another as brothers and sisters in
Christ.
Overall,
the third statement of Jesus on the cross underscores the values of love,
compassion, and community that are central to the Christian faith, providing
believers with a timeless example of selflessness and care for others.
"Woman,
behold your son. Son, behold your mother." This statement is known as the
"Word of Relationship" or "Word of Care" and is found in
the Gospel of John, chapter 19, and verse 26-27.
In Greek, the statement is written as "Γύναι, ἰδοὺ ὁ υἱός σου. Ὁ υἱός σου, ἰδοὺ ἡ μήτηρ σου."
In Hebrew, it
would be transliterated as "Isha, hinei bencha. Ha'ben shelach, hinei
imecha." This statement is significant as Jesus, even in his suffering on
the cross, shows care and concern for his mother Mary and entrusts her to the
care of the disciple whom he loved, traditionally identified as John. It
illustrates Jesus' compassion and love for his family and emphasizes the
importance of caring for one another, even in the midst of difficult
circumstances. The words spoken by Jesus on the cross carry deep meaning and
serve as a powerful example of selflessness and love for others.
4-
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) - Quoting Psalm 22:1, Jesus expresses
his feelings of abandonment and separation from God, experiencing the full
weight of sin and the suffering of humanity.
The fourth
statement of Jesus on the cross, is a powerful and poignant cry that holds deep
significance in both Greek and Hebrew contexts.
In Greek,
the word used for "forsaken" in this statement is
"egkataleipo," which conveys a sense of abandonment or desertion.
This reflects Jesus' profound sense of separation from God as he bears the
weight of humanity's sins on the cross.
In Hebrew, the sentence "Eli, Eli,lema
sabachthani?" which Jesus spoke, is a direct quote from Psalm 22:1. By
invoking this psalm, Jesus is not only expressing his anguish but also pointing
to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. The use
of this scripture underscores the depth of Jesus' suffering and his role as the
sacrificial Lamb of God. Biblically, this statement underscores the profound
sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, experiencing the full weight of sin and
separation from God so that humanity could be reconciled with Him. It
highlights the depth of Jesus' love and the extent to which he was willing to
go to redeem humanity.
5-
"I am
thirsty." (John
19:28) - By acknowledging his physical thirst, Jesus demonstrates his humanity
and fulfills the Scriptures, showing that he experienced the same physical
needs and limitations as any human being. It is believed by many Christians
that at the moment when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you
forsaken me?" while on the cross, he experienced a profound sense of
feeling abandoned and separated from God.
This moment
is often interpreted as a glimpse into Jesus' human nature, as he grappled with
the weight of his suffering and the burden of the sins of humanity. In this
moment of intense anguish and vulnerability, Jesus is seen as fully embracing
his humanity, experiencing the depths of human emotion and suffering.
Tthere are
biblical verses that support the human nature of Jesus on the cross. In the New
Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there
are accounts of Jesus' crucifixion that highlight his human experiences during
this time. For example, in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, Jesus cries out,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This moment reflects
Jesus' human emotions of feeling abandoned and in despair. Additionally, in
Luke 23:46, Jesus says, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,"
showing his trust and surrender to God in his final moments. These instances
demonstrate Jesus' human vulnerability, pain, and reliance on his faith during
his crucifixion. They serve to emphasize the belief in Jesus as both fully
divine and fully human, experiencing the human suffering and emotions.
This moment
is significant for Christians as it demonstrates Jesus' willingness to undergo
the full extent of human suffering and separation in order to offer redemption
and salvation to all. It is seen as a powerful example of Jesus' humility,
love, and sacrifice for humanity. This moment is often viewed as a pivotal
point in the story of Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the depth of his
humanity and the extent of his compassion for mankind.
In Greek,
the statement is "Διψῶ," pronounced as "dipsó." In Hebrew, it
is believed to be "צמא
אני, "pronounced as "Ani Tzame." This
statement is very valuable in Christian theology as it reflects Jesus' human
experience of suffering and physical pain during his crucifixion. It is
recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 19, Verse 28.
Jesus' expression of thirst is often
interpreted symbolically as representing his longing for spiritual fulfillment
and the completion of his mission on Earth.
6-
"It is
finished." (John
19:30) - With this statement, Jesus declares the completion of his earthly
mission, signifying the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation through his
sacrificial death on the cross.
The sixth
statement of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished," holds deep
significance in both Hebrew and Greek traditions.
In Hebrew
tradition, this statement can be linked to the concept of completion or
fulfillment of a task. It echoes the idea of the completion of God's plan for
salvation, indicating that Jesus had accomplished what he came to earth to do.
This statement signifies the end of Jesus' earthly mission and the fulfillment
of prophecies regarding the Messiah. The Hebrew phrase for "it is
finished" is "מרַגְנִ) "pronounced: neeg-mar). This phrase is often associated with completion,
conclusion, or fulfillment of a task or event. It is a powerful expression that
signifies the end of something and can be found in various contexts, including
religious, academic, or everyday life.
In Hebrew,
as in many languages, words and phrases carry deep meanings and nuances that
reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the people who speak it.
In Greek tradition, the phrase "It is
finished" is translated as "Tetelestai,"
which holds a financial connotation implying a debt has been paid in full. This
can be interpreted as Jesus completing the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's
sins, symbolizing the full payment required for redemption. The Greek term also
denotes a sense of accomplishment, victory, and finality, emphasizing the
completion of a task with no need for further action.
Overall, the
sixth statement of Jesus on the cross carries profound meanings in both Hebrew
and Greek traditions, symbolizing completion, fulfillment, and the ultimate
sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of
Jesus' mission and the depth of God's love and grace for all.
7-
"Father, into
your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) - In his final breath, Jesus surrenders
his spirit to God, expressing his trust and obedience to the Father, and
demonstrating his victory over death and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity's
redemption.
This statement is a powerful teachings for both the world and Christians
alike. For the world, this statement serves as a meaningful reminder of Jesus'
unwavering trust and submission to God even in the face of suffering and death.
It demonstrates Jesus' ultimate surrender to the divine will and serves as an
example of faith and obedience for all humanity. It stresses the importance of
entrusting our lives into God's hands, especially during times of trials and
tribulations.
For Christians,
this declaration climaxes the profound trust and intimacy that believers can
have with God through Christ. It encourages followers of Jesus to model their
lives after his example of complete reliance on the Father. Christians are
reminded to place their faith in God's providence and to trust in His
sovereignty, even in the darkest of moments.
Jesus' words on the cross remind believers of the
assurance of God's presence and the promise of eternal life.
In essence, the seventh statement of Jesus on the
cross teaches the world and Christians the importance of trust, surrender, and
faith in God's plan. It serves as a beacon of hope and a source of strength for
all who seek to follow Christ faithfully. These seven last statements of Jesus
on the cross reveal his profound love, compassion, obedience, and ultimate
sacrifice for the salvation of humanity, offering hope, forgiveness, and
eternal life to all who believe in him.
Inclusive, these seven last words of Jesus on the
cross are seen as powerful symbols of faith, redemption, and the divine purpose
of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. They continue to be meditated upon and
revered by Christians around the world as a source of comfort, inspiration, and
hope.
Francelet Joseph
0 Comments