The 7 Powerful Statements of Jesus from the Cross
What did Jesus say while He was dying on the cross?
Jesus’ death on the cross stands out in the world’s history as a monumental moment.
The innocent volunteering to die in place of the guilty. The Creator dying for His creation. God humbling Himself before rebellious humanity.
Jesus Christ said seven powerful statements while hanging on the cross.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)
While Jesus was dying, He was being mocked by almost everyone gathered around Him.
In the middle of their blasphemous mockery, the Son of God addressed His Father and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).
The mercy of God was displayed by Jesus’ death on the cross - as He could have ended it all with a single word (Matthew 26:53). Rather than ask His Father to destroy His enemies, Jesus asked the Father to show mercy.
"Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
When one of the criminals hanging beside Jesus had a change of heart about the Lord and came to the His defense, Jesus extended comfort to him.
"Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
While Jesus was on the earth, He had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6). He forgives this criminal - who admitted he deserved the punishment he was receiving (Luke 23:41). Today, Jesus still forgives the sins of those who obey the gospel (Acts 2:38).
Those who mourn over their sin and respond to the Savior will be comforted (Matthew 5:4).
"Woman, behold your son!"…“Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)
Jesus’ mother and the apostle John stood nearby the cross as Jesus died (John 19:25). His thoughts turned to His mother and her continued care.
When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27)
Three of the Lord’s statements from the cross were about everyone who was around Him:
The mocking crowd.
The repenting criminal.
The devoted followers.
No matter which group you fall into today, the Lord is still concerned about you. His death was for you, too.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
No doubt, Jesus was feeling very alone on the cross. He also wanted everyone to know what was truly happening. He cried out the opening phrase of Psalm 22 - a psalm about the death and resurrection of the Messiah.
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
Although Jesus felt alone and deserted on the cross (feelings expressed in the first half of Psalm 22), He also knew God had heard Him (Hebrews 5:7) and would deliver Him (the second half of Psalm 22).
"I thirst!" (John 19:28)
A person would quickly become dehydrated while dying on a cross. This statement proved that Jesus was suffering on the cross just like you and I would.
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" (John 19:28)
His cry of thirst is also a likely reference to Psalm 22, as He fulfilled all Scripture.
I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. (Psalm 22:14-15)
While suffering on the cross. Jesus remained committed to His mission of fulfilling the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-18).
"It is finished!" (John 19:30)
When He had done everything He needed to do and say, “He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30)
Some believe this statement refers to the end of Psalm 22 - which says, “He has done this” (Psalm 22:31).
Before Jesus died, He wanted the world to know that He had done everything He needed to do. He had done what He came to this world to do (John 3:16).
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
This statement by Jesus refers to what would soon be happening. Jesus had done all that the Father required - and He committed Himself into the Father’s hand to do what needed to happen next.
Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)
This final statement references Psalm 31:5 - a psalm about God’s deliverance. Jesus trusted that God would “deliver Him” from death - and this is what happened.
concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:3-4)
The apostle Peter emphasized this point when he preached to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost.
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (Acts 2:22-24)
Jesus’ final statement from the cross was a cry for all people to see what happened next - His death was not the end.
These seven powerful statements of Jesus while on the cross say so much about the Lord and His mission.
They also say a lot about what He thinks of you. What will you do with Him?
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, (Hebrews 5:8-9)