what does jesus say on the cross

Today we will talk about what does Jesus say on the cross. Many Christians do not know what this means. As we gather around the words spoken during His crucifixion, we discover messages of love, forgiveness, and hope. Each phrase holds deep meaning and reflects the heart of Jesus, showing us who He is and what He came to accomplish. These final words were not only for those present at the scene but also for all of humanity throughout time. As we reflect on these profound statements, let us meditate on their significance and the lessons they bring into our lives.

What does Jesus say on the cross

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

This first statement from Jesus sets the tone for His time on the cross. Here, He is asking for forgiveness for those who are crucifying Him—His enemies, the Roman soldiers, and the crowd. The Greek word used for “forgive” is “aphiēmi,” which means to let go or release. Essentially, Jesus is releasing their sins against Him, demonstrating a heart of mercy and grace even in the face of horrific abuse. The act of asking for forgiveness shows His compassion and love, reflecting God’s character. This moment reveals the deeper biblical truth that God desires forgiveness and reconciliation, not judgment and condemnation (Matthew 6:14-15).

Furthermore, this phrase echoes the teachings of Jesus throughout His ministry. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This act of forgiveness is both extraordinary and challenging for us as believers, showing us that, even in suffering, we can choose to forgive. It reminds us that our forgiveness reflects God’s forgiveness toward us (Ephesians 4:32).

Moreover, this statement sheds light on the human condition. Jesus acknowledges that the ones who are hurting Him do not fully grasp the gravity of their actions. Thus, it teaches us about the nature of ignorance and sin. We can sometimes hurt others without understanding the impact of our actions. Jesus’ willingness to pardon should encourage us to extend grace to others, just as He has done for us (Colossians 3:13).

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)

The second thing Jesus says on the cross is directed toward a criminal who was being crucified alongside Him. This brief exchange is significant. The Greek word “Paradise” refers to an idyllic place or garden, symbolizing bliss and happiness. Jesus reassures the repentant thief that he will join Him in this beautiful place. It illustrates the grace of God—that even at the very end of life, it’s never too late to turn to Him for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

This statement is also a testament to the authority and power of Jesus to forgive sins. In moments of despair, we might feel that our past decisions render us beyond help; yet, Jesus offers hope that anyone can be saved through faith in Him. The promise of being with Him in Paradise reveals the centrality of Jesus as our Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

Additionally, it resonates with the theme of grace found throughout Scripture. We see in passages like John 3:16 that salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of their past. This moment also stresses that our relationship with Jesus is personal; it is not about our deeds but about faith and belief in Him (John 14:6).

3. “Woman, behold your son! … Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

This third declaration from Jesus addresses Mary, His mother, and the Apostle John. It highlights Jesus’ care and compassion for His family. The Hebrew word “Ishah” means woman, and it is a term of respect. Jesus, even in His suffering, ensures that Mary is taken care of after His passing. He is entrusting her to John, illustrating the importance of community and support among believers (Galatians 6:2).

This moment reminds us that Jesus deeply values relationships and the bonds we have with one another. It demonstrates that even in our hardest times, we should look out for those we love. Jesus exemplifies the idea that family extends beyond blood relations to include our brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 12:50).

Moreover, it serves as a reminder of our duty to care for one another. Just as Jesus sought to ensure the well-being of His earthly mother, we, as followers of Christ, are called to support and help take care of each other (Philippians 2:4).

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

This statement is perhaps the most heart-wrenching of Jesus’ words on the cross. It reveals His deep anguish and pain as He hung there. In saying this, Jesus quoted Psalm 22, a Messianic Psalm that speaks of suffering but ultimately concludes with hope. The Hebrew term “Eli, Eli” reflects a profound sense of abandonment that Jesus felt as He took on the sins of the world, a separation from God that humanity experiences due to sin. This moment shows us that Jesus fully identified with human suffering (Isaiah 53:5).

This declaration emphasizes that God’s presence is crucial for our lives. When Jesus felt isolated, we can understand the depth of despair that accompanies disconnection from God. It encourages us to seek God even when we feel abandoned, reminding us that He is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18).

Furthermore, it underscores the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission. He bore our sins and the accompanying separation from God so that we could be reconciled with Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). This echoes the core message of the Gospel that through Jesus, we gain access to the Father, realizing that His suffering provides us with a pathway to spiritual restoration (Romans 5:8).

5. “I thirst” (John 19:28)