Sayings of Christ on the Cross
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Scripture recorders seven different sayings and/or statements that The Lord Jesus Christ made on the cross while being crucified. Essentially, these are his last words, which make it a valuable study. The Bible records many of man’s last words – Moses, David, Joshua, but these are God’s last words while here in human flesh. The Bible documents seven total saying of Christ on the cross: one in Mathew, one in Mark, three in Luke, and three in John. While eight in total, the two statements in Mathew and Mark are identical leaving seven different and distinct statements.
The first is found in Luke chapter 23.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do….
How fitting the first statement from Christ is both intercessory as well as based upon forgiveness. Christ is interceding for his enemies. These are the same people that that just sentenced him to death, yet we find him pleading to the God of the Universe, that He forgives their sins. It’s amazing from a humanistic perspective. Keep in mind, these are also the same people have been fighting him for years, and literally just got done having him beaten for hours. Talk about the mercy and grace of God! But that was his ultimate reason for coming, to offer mankind forgiveness for their sins as seen in Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The second saying on the cross is that to a thief being crucified with him.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
We see that Christ while in a hopeless situation, offers hope to another man at his last moments on Earth. This thief, like the other was ridiculing and mocking him moments before (Matthew 27:44) The dying thief recognizes his guilt and the innocence of Christ and has a change of heart, and by faith, asked Christ to remember him. Christ offers that dying man hope, by giving him a promise they he will be with Christ in Paradise. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
The third statement of Jesus on the cross is recorded by John the Apostle.
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
We see here once again, Christ at his dying moment thinking of others. We see Christ ensuring that his earthly “household” is taken care of. Christians should do the same thing in terms of legacy / estate planning in the form of insurance, a will, and estate plan. It’s not clear from scripture if Joseph, is still in the picture. If not then traditionally, it would fall onto the eldest son, in this case Jesus, to take care of his mother. In wanting to ensure she was taken care of, he passed that responsibility onto John.
In the first three statements of Christ on the cross, we see him constantly thinking of others, seeking intercessory forgiveness through prayer for others, and ensuring his earthly household responsibilities are in order and taken care of.
To be continued… in Part 2
Sayings of Christ on the Cross (Part 2)
Scripture recorders seven different sayings and/or statements that The Lord Jesus Christ made on the cross while being crucified. Essentially, these are his last words, which make it a valuable study. The Bible records many of man’s last words – Moses, David, Joshua, but these are God’s last words while here in human flesh. Please feel free to read part 1, which covers the first three statements that Christ made. This post will focus on the last four.
The fourth statement that Christ makes on the cross is recorded by both Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
It is interesting that the actual words he spoke are recorded and interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Notice also the emphasis on describing his voice. He spoke with a loud voice. This is the voice that sounds like rushing of waters in Revelation 1:15. From a humanistic perspective, there are times people, to include Christians, get mad at God. He verbally and probably physically displayed that anger. I think at times, people hold back their anger from God. In my own personal experience, I would say verbalize it, demonstrate it, and acknowledge it openly and honestly to God. Generally, he then reveals the true problem which isn’t him, but rather us.
It’s additionally interesting that of the seven statements, this the only one recorded twice. One could argue the repetition, denotes importance. It is at this moment, and really the only moment in time, where there was a division between the triune being of God. It is at this point, where Jesus Christ is beginning to bear the sins of the world, and in fact become sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). At that point, the Father, essentially turns his back on his beloved son, and says, I can’t have any dealing with sin—I have forsaken you!
That then, brings us to our next statement recorded by the Apostle John
John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
With Christ becoming sin, he is now beginning to suffer for sin, and will within hours literally be in Hell paying for sin. If you don’t know, Hell is a hot place. Like a man in the desert with the heat and sun bearing down on him, he thirsts. But unlike a man in dessert, there is no water in Hell. The souls in Hell are begging for water, as the rich man was in Luke 16. This also creates the final opportunity to fulfill prophecies, as they offer him vinegar and gall (Psalms 69:21 with John 19:28). It is amazing how many prophecies are documented regarding Christ in the Old Testament, that are fulfilled during his birth and death.
The six statement the Christ makes on the cross is that of:
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Like Paul, Christ too finishes his course. He has completed everything required by the Father, and now relinquish his spirit back to God. His human life, like of ours will, has come to an end. However, prior to his death, he ensured that he fulfilled his course. All prophecies for the first advent were fulfilled. All the necessary steps to make salvation available were complete. Christ was a finisher, and we would do well to follow his example
The seventh and final statement of Christ is recorded by Luke.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
It is at that final moment, Christ recognizes his Heavenly Father, and like us, is helpless against the footsteps of death. Each of us will die, and our sprit return back to God that gave it (Eccl 12:7). Like Christ’s our body will go into a grave, fulfilling the curse placed upon Adam by God (Gen 3:19). The only question that remains, is where will your soul go when you die? Christ’s went temporarily to Hell, but then ascended to Heaven (Eph 4:9). Unlike Christ, our destination is permanently fixed in one or the other, and for all of eternity. The only way, your soul will go to Heaven, is if you accept Christ as your personal savior. I pray you do that today.
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