The sayings of Jesus on the cross (also called the Seven Last Words from the Cross) are seven expressions gathered from the Gospels and attributed to Jesus during his crucifixion. We can use these words to meditate on the Passion and Death of Jesus. We can use them to experience the amazing love that was poured out upon the world that day. In these words, we can find the answer to the question…Did Jesus also think of us?
The First Word
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
Jesus is looking down from the cross just after he was crucified. He sees the soldiers who have mocked him, scourged him and tortured him, and nailed him to the cross. He remembers those who have sentenced him. He is also thinking of his Apostles and companions who have deserted him and denied him. Did Jesus also think of us?
The Second Word
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
The second word again is about forgiveness, this time directed to a sinner. Just as the first word, this Biblical expression is found only in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus shows his Divinity by opening heaven for the repentant thief. Did He also think of us?
The Third Word
“Jesus said to his mother: “Woman, this is your son.”
Then he said to the disciple: “This is your mother.” John 19:26-27
Jesus rises above the occasion, and his concerns are for the ones that love him. The good son that He is, Jesus is concerned about taking care of his mother, and he is concerned about his friends. Did Jesus also think of us?
The Fourth Word
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46
There cannot be a more dreadful moment in the history of man as this moment. Jesus who came to save us is crucified, and He realizes the horror of what is happening and what He now is enduring. The burden of all the sins of humanity for a moment overwhelms the humanity of our Savior. Did Jesus also think of us?
The Fifth Word
“I thirst.” John 19:28
The fifth word of Jesus express his physical suffering. Jesus is now in shock. The wounds inflicted upon him in the scourging, the crowning with thorns, and the nailing upon the cross are taking their toll. Did Jesus also think of us?
The Sixth Word
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished;”
and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. John 19:30
The sixth word is Jesus’ recognition that his suffering is over and his task is completed. Jesus is obedient to the Father. Did Jesus also think of us?
The Seventh Word
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46
These last words of Jesus are directed to the Father in heaven, just before He dies. Did Jesus also think of us?