What Did Jesus Say When He Was on the Cross
Today we will talk about what did Jesus say when he was on the cross. Many Christians do not know what this means. Our Savior’s final words hold a wealth of meaning and significance. These phrases encapsulate His intense pain, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His deep love for humanity. Be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and unfold the layers of meaning behind these powerful utterances. Each saying reflects Jesus’ heart and character, shedding light on His mission to save us and His intimate relationship with the Father. Through this exploration, we can better understand the cost of our salvation and the scope of His love for us. Let’s journey together in faith as we reflect on these important words.
Father, Forgive Them
One of the first things Jesus uttered while hanging on the cross was a plea for forgiveness. This powerful statement is found in Luke 23:34, where He declares, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This shows Jesus’ compassionate nature, even in His agony, as He intercedes on behalf of those who were crucifying Him. The Hebrew word for “forgive” (סָלַח, salach) implies not just the act of pardon but a release and a restoration of relationship. In Greek, the term translated as “forgive” (ἀφίημι, aphiemi) also conveys the idea of dismissing or letting go of a debt, reminiscent of the forgiveness we receive through Christ.
This plea highlights the teachings of Jesus throughout His ministry about love and forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, He instructs us that if we forgive others, we will also be forgiven. This calling to forgive can often be a difficult one, but Jesus exemplifies this perfect forgiveness even in the midst of suffering. Moreover, it reminds us that we can always turn to God for mercy and grace, regardless of our circumstances or the severity of our mistakes.
Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
In Luke 23:43, Jesus assures one of the criminals being crucified alongside Him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The promise of paradise is an extraordinary testament to salvation. The word “paradise” in Greek (παράδεισος, paradeisos) signifies a place of unity with God, an Eden-like state of peace and joy. This statement shows Jesus’ authority to grant eternal life, reinforcing the truth found in John 14:6, where He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Here, we observe Jesus’ unwavering commitment to salvation, even in His final moments. His interaction with the criminal shows us that no one is beyond redemption. While one may find oneself at the end of their life, with sincere repentance, they can grasp the opportunity for salvation through Christ. This not only illustrates God’s mercy but also reassures us that our relationship with Him can be restored no matter our past. It invites us to share the Gospel with others, emphasizing that it is never too late to turn to God.
Behold Your Son; Behold Your Mother
In John 19:26-27, Jesus, seeing His mother Mary and the disciple John, says, “Woman, here is your son,” and to John, “Here is your mother.” Through this profound exchange, Jesus emphasizes the importance of relationships and familial bonds. The term “mother” (μήτηρ, mētēr) in Greek reflects not only the biological connection but also conveys a spiritual invitation to care and comfort. He ensures that Mary will be looked after, highlighting His concern for her even amid His own suffering.
This moment teaches us about familial responsibilities and the need for love within our own families and communities. It also illustrates Jesus’ role as a mediator; He doesn’t leave Mary alone in her grief but provides her with the companionship and support she would need moving forward. It’s a reminder of how we, too, should look out for each other and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), reflecting the love that Christ exemplifies through His actions.
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?
In Matthew 27:46, we hear Jesus cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This anguished cry reflects His deep sense of abandonment and despair as He bears the weight of our sin. The Hebrew phrase He uses connects directly to Psalm 22, a prophetic psalm that speaks of anguish and ultimately triumph. In this plea, we see the blend of His divine identity as the Son of God and His human experience of pain. The Hebrew word for “forsaken” (עָזַב, azav) means to leave or abandon, highlighting the gravity of what Jesus was experiencing spiritually and emotionally at that moment on the cross.
This utterance reminds us of the cost of redemption. Jesus willingly took on our sins, and in doing so, He felt separation from the Father—a burden we cannot fully comprehend. It paints a vivid picture of what it means to suffer and illustrates that even in our lowest moments, we can cling to God, who never truly abandons us. It challenges us to acknowledge our suffering and feel its weight without losing faith. In Hebrews 13:5, we find reassurance that God will never leave us or forsake us, reminding us that we can hold onto His promises even in the face of pain.
I Thirst
In John 19:28, Jesus simply states, “I thirst.” This short phrase conveys both His physical need and a deeper spiritual significance. In a literal sense, Jesus had endured extreme dehydration and physical suffering during His crucifixion. The Greek verb used here for “thirst” (δίψω, dīpsō) means to desire or long for. On a figurative level, this thirst can symbolize the desire for righteousness and fullness, as seen in Matthew 5:6, where Jesus states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
This moment poignantly illustrates both His humanity and the suffering that He undertakes for our sake. It serves as a call to acknowledge our own spiritual thirst—our longing for something deeper beyond material satisfaction. It prompts reflection on how Jesus fulfills our deepest desires (John 4:14). The Psalmist speaks of a similar thirst for God in Psalm 42:1, expressing a longing for connection with the Creator. When we face our own thirst, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we should be reminded to turn to Christ, who invites us to come to Him for living water.
It is Finished
One of the most significant statements Jesus makes is “It is finished” as recorded in John 19:30. This declaration signifies the completion of His mission on earth—to pay for our sins and reconcile us to God. The Greek word for “finished” (τελέω, teleō) implies that He has accomplished what He set out to do, fulfilling the prophecies and establishing a new covenant between God and humanity. It signifies closure and victory over sin and death.
This phrase is filled with hope and assurance for all believers. It assures us that through Christ’s sacrifice, our sins are forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14). We no longer have to perform sacrifices or rituals to attain salvation; Jesus took care of it all. This encourages us to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing we are secure in our faith. As Romans 8:1 states, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Therefore, our response should be one of gratitude and worship, acknowledging the incredible gift He has given us through His ultimate sacrifice.
Father, into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
Finally, in Luke 23:46, Jesus cries out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” This statement reflects His ultimate trust in God, even at the point of death. The Hebrew word for “commit” (גָּלַל, galal) indicates rolling over or entrusting something to someone else, showing His willingness to surrender fully to the Father’s will. By using the word “Father,” Jesus reaffirms His intimate relationship with God, illustrating that trust is foundational during times of trial.
This can be a comforting reminder for us in our own lives. No matter what we face, we can safely place our worries, fears, and spirits into His hands. Jesus models complete surrender, showing us that we can meet our end with confidence, knowing that God has everything under control. It encourages us to cultivate our relationship with God, ensuring that we come to Him with our burdens just as Jesus did, trusting in His promises and love.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on the words Jesus uttered while He was on the cross, we discover powerful truths about forgiveness, salvation, love, suffering, and trust. Each statement provides insight into Christ’s character and His unwavering commitment to humanity. As we contemplate His words, we are reminded of the depth of His love and sacrifice.
These immortal sayings encourage us to forgive others as Jesus forgave us. They remind us that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their past. Furthermore, even in desperate times, we can find comfort in His presence and submit ourselves into His loving hands.
Let’s take these teachings to heart, sharing the message of hope and redemption with others. As we strive to love and serve one another just as Christ demonstrated, we can embody the grace He extended to us. Together, let’s live out the joy of our salvation, reflecting on the incredible gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
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