Have you ever sat with someone in their final moments? The words they speak. if any – carry a different kind of weight. They strip away the noise, the pretence, and the distractions of life. What’s left are the things that matter most.
Jesus on the cross was not only fulfilling the most important mission in human history; He was also speaking to us with His last breath. As the crowd mocked Him, as pain tore through His body, and as the sky grew dark, He didn’t stay silent. He spoke. Seven times. And every word matters.
This post isn’t just about remembering what He said—it’s about learning what those words still mean for us today. These were not just words of a dying man – they were the final teachings of a Saviour, carved in agony but wrapped in hope.
Let’s walk through each of the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross, what they mean, and how we’re called to live them out.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
📖 Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Before Jesus shed blood, He shed mercy. In the face of betrayal, brutality, and injustice, His first words were not “Why me?” or “Stop them.” They were words of grace.
He didn’t wait for apologies. He didn’t wait for remorse. He forgave while nails were being driven through His hands.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
Forgiveness isn’t always a two-way street. Sometimes, it begins with us choosing to release others – even if they don’t know they hurt us. Just like Jesus on the cross, we’re called to forgive without conditions.
2. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
📖 Luke 23:43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
One criminal mocked Jesus. The other one defended Him. And in that raw, undeserved moment of faith, Jesus responded with eternal assurance.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
It’s never too late to turn to Jesus. Jesus on the cross extended grace to someone who had no chance to make amends. That same grace is available to us. No matter your past, faith still opens the door to paradise.
3. “Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother.”
📖 John 19:26–27
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Even in unimaginable pain, Jesus on the cross took care of His earthly responsibilities. He honoured His mother and ensured she wouldn’t be alone.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
Spiritual maturity is not just about preaching or praying – it’s also about caring for people. Love shows up in practical ways. Who has God placed in your life to care for – even when it’s inconvenient?
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
📖 Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34
46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
These words echo the beginning of Psalm 22—a messianic prophecy that ends in victory. But in this moment, Jesus felt the full weight of human separation from God.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
Even Jesus on the cross experienced abandonment. If you’ve ever felt like heaven went silent, you’re not alone. But trust this: silence doesn’t mean absence. God is still at work, even in the dark.
5. “I thirst.”
📖 John 19:28
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
Simple, human, raw. Jesus—fully God—experienced full humanity. Dehydrated, beaten, bleeding… He thirsted.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
God knows our needs. He understands weakness. When you say, “I’m tired,” or “I can’t anymore,” know that Jesus on the cross gets it. Don’t be afraid to bring your physical, emotional, or spiritual thirst to Him.
6. “It is finished.”
📖 John 19:30
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
This wasn’t a whisper of defeat—it was a declaration of triumph. In Greek, “tetelestai” means “paid in full.” The mission was complete. The debt of sin—cancelled.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
Stop trying to earn what has already been paid for. You are not saved by performance but by grace. Jesus on the cross did not say “To be continued.” He said, “It is finished.”
7. “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.”
📖 Luke 23:46
46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last.
His final words were not filled with fear—but trust. After all the pain, rejection, and sacrifice, Jesus rested in the Father’s hands.
🧠 What This Teaches Us:
Surrender is powerful. In our final moments—or in our daily struggles—we’re invited to do the same. When you don’t understand, when it’s hard, commit your spirit to God. It’s the safest place you can be.
💬 Key Takeaways from Jesus on the Cross
- Forgive even when it hurts.
- It’s never too late to turn to Jesus.
- Care for others even in your pain.
- God is present even when silent.
- Jesus understands your suffering.
- The work of salvation is complete.
- Surrender is not weakness—it’s faith.
📖 More Scriptures for Reflection:
- Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.”
- Philippians 2:8 – “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
- Romans 6:10 – “The death He died, He died to sin once for all.”
🕊 Final Thought:
The last words of Jesus on the cross weren’t just for those standing at Golgotha. They were for you and me. They weren’t spoken out of weakness—but out of strength, love, and purpose.
Let them shape how you live. Let them remind you that God speaks—even from a cross—and every word carries eternity with it.
This Easter, don’t just remember the cross. Live in response to it.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
