What Did Jesus Say On The Cross
Today we will talk about What Did Jesus Say On The Cross. Many Christians do not know what this means. The phrases that Jesus uttered in His final moments carry immense significance for our faith. They showcase His humanity, divinity, and the incredible love He has for us. As we reflect on these words, let us open our hearts and minds to the profound truth they reveal about Jesus’ sacrifice. Each phrase offers a glimpse into His thoughts, emotions, and the fulfillment of prophecies. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
1. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
In this first statement, we notice Jesus’ incredible capacity for forgiveness even amidst utter agony. The aramaic version could translate to ‘Abba, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ By invoking the term “Father,” Jesus shows His relationship with God as one of deep intimacy, showcasing both His humanity and His divine nature. It’s remarkable to think that while enduring unimaginable pain, His first concern was for those who were executing Him. It reflects not only His love for His enemies but also His understanding of their ignorance. They were unaware of the full ramifications of their actions, thus strengthening the concept of forgiveness amid misunderstanding.
Just as in Matthew 6:14-15, we are called to forgive others who trespass against us. Jesus exemplifies in this moment what it truly means to forgive. When He says “they know not what they do,” it holds an echo of mercy extending even to those who cause us pain. He invites us to reflect on our own lives where we may have committed wrongs unknowingly, and how we might extend grace to those around us. The magnitude of His forgiveness is captured in 1 John 1:9, where it states that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This profound lesson on forgiveness helps us grow in our relationships and draw closer to God.
2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
This second phrase is a beautiful testament of hope. Jesus speaks to the repentant thief crucified alongside Him, assuring him that salvation was not far from reach. The Greek word for ‘paradise’ (παράδεισος) implies a place of bliss and rest. By assuring the thief of his place in paradise that very day, Jesus emphasizes that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and receive grace. No matter our past, our sins do not have the power to keep us away from God’s love and salvation.
In John 3:16, we read that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, offering everyone the chance for eternal life. Jesus demonstrated that all who earnestly turn to Him in faith can find redemption. Here we find hope, as the cross was not just an end but rather the beginning of a promise for eternal life with Him. This interaction reveals the boundless grace available to us, echoing Romans 10:13, which reminds us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. We should feel encouraged that regardless of our life choices, repentance brings us into His eternal family.
3. “Woman, behold your son! … Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)
In this poignant moment, Jesus addresses His mother Mary and the Apostle John. By saying, “Woman, behold your son” and “Behold your mother,” Jesus demonstrates His care and responsibility for both His earthly family and for us, the Church. This statement reveals layers of meaning. In Aramaic culture, family bonds were deeply rooted in honor and love. His words affirm His divine care for His disciples while still expressing that familial love continues even amid severe suffering.
This is echoed in Galatians 6:2 where we are reminded to carry each other’s burdens, reflecting a community of love and support among believers. By offering John the role of caretaker for Mary, Jesus demonstrates not only His concern for her future but also exemplifies the importance of community in our faith. His words emphasize that our relationships are essential in our walk with God, fulfilling the command to love one another (John 13:34). Each of us is called to connect and support one another, embodying His love in a tangible way.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
This heart-wrenching cry echoes Psalm 22:1, highlighting Jesus’ profound anguish. In a moment of feeling abandoned, He still turns to God, acknowledging His Father despite the divine silence. The Hebrew word here for forsaken (עזב – azab) indicates a complete abandonment. It is significant to recognize that this moment reflects an instance of profound separation, not just from His Father but also from the presence of sin and decay which He bore upon Himself for humanity’s sake.
Feeling forsaken resonates with our own experiences of despair. As believers, we can reflect on how sometimes our prayers feel unanswered or our hopes appear unmet. However, moments like this remind us that even in those times, God is present with us in our suffering. In Hebrews 13:5, He assures us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Jesus models the honest struggle between faith and feelings, conveying that our God understands our pain. If we look at 2 Corinthians 5:21, we see how Jesus became sin for us, further deepening our understanding of what it meant for Him to experience this moment. It invites us to trust Him in our own trials, knowing that He understands our pain.
5. “I thirst” (John 19:28)
In this short but powerful statement, “I thirst,” Jesus reveals His physical suffering and humanity. It’s a reminder that He experienced everything we experience, including the basic needs of the body. The Greek word for thirst (διψάω – dipsao) encapsulates a deep craving. Yet this utterance carries metaphorical weight as well. As the living water (John 4:14), Jesus indicates that true satisfaction is found in Him. While He was parched physically, it highlights our spiritual thirst for connection and fulfillment that can only be met in Him.
This moment also fulfills prophecy found in Psalms 69:21, which indicates the refreshment He could have received from God’s Word; instead, He was offered vinegar. It beautifully illustrates that Jesus understands our longing for fulfillment in life, and no earthly substance can satisfy that. Through Him, we are offered living water that quenches our deepest thirst (Revelation 21:6). Thus, it calls us to seek Him who provides true satisfaction, reminding us that our spirit yearns for Him even more than our body yearns for water.
6. “It is finished” (John 19:30)
With the declaration, “It is finished,” Jesus affirms the completion of the plan of salvation. The Greek word “tetelestai” used here indicates a finality or accomplishment. In fact, it was an accounting term, denoting that a debt had been fully paid. This moment is not just the end of His physical life but signifies the fulfillment of every Old Testament prophecy. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate atonement for our sins, leaving no further sacrifices required (Hebrews 10:10).
This final statement echoes throughout the ages, assuring us of our freedom from the law and from the bondage of sin. As believers, we understand the weight of this moment. Ephesians 2:8-9 describes that we are saved by grace through faith, and it is not our own doing but a gift from God. This momentous claim empowers us to live freely in light of His grace, understanding that we no longer carry our sins or face condemnation (Romans 8:1). It compels us to embrace our identity in Christ and share the good news with others, solidifying our role as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
As the final exclamation, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” signifies total surrender and trust in God. The Hebrew expression implies an intimate reliance on the Father’s care even in death. It also exemplifies the completion of His mission, as He willingly entrusts His spirit back to the Father. This moment highlights a beautiful connection between the human element and divine submission, showcasing Jesus’ model for us in moments of trials and tribulations.
In Acts 7:59, Stephen also commits his spirit to Jesus, echoing a sense of assurance that we are safe in the arms of God regardless of the circumstances. This emphasizes the importance of faith in our lives, showing that we can place our trust in Him always. Psalm 31:5 is often quoted in relation to this phrase, demonstrating Jesus’ grounding in Scripture and His connection to God throughout His life. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with God, encouraging us to trust Him wholly and completely. His final words remind us that surrendering our worries, fears, and aspirations into His hands leads us to peace and comfort in an uncertain world.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on what Jesus said on the cross, we find breathtaking lessons that are still relevant for us today. The words reveal the depth and richness of His love and sacrifice for humanity. From forgiveness to the assurance of salvation, Jesus’ statements invite us into a relationship marked by grace and hope.
Each phrase illustrates both His humanity and divinity, showing that He faced suffering and abandonment yet remained committed to fulfilling the mission of salvation. Through His example, we learn how to forgive, seek connection, and express our thirst for more than earthly things. Ultimately, His declaration that it is finished gives us peace, as we recognize the weight of our sins has been lifted in Him.
As we move forward, may we carry these truths in our hearts, drawing closer to Him and living out the lessons He shared from the cross in our daily lives.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4