The Seven Last Sayings of Our Savior, Part 1

Introduction

Anyone’s last words take on elevated importance because of the impending finality of death. How much more so for the last words of the most significant man who has ever lived. Scripture records for us only seven brief sayings by our Savior as he hung on the cross for six hours. The extreme exhaustion and relentless physical pain of crucifixion would have made speaking incredibly challenging. Because of all this, we rightly pay careful attention to the last sayings of Jesus, for they reveal to us so clearly our Savior’s character and mission.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Forgiveness)

The first saying by Jesus on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” is a profound expression of divine love and mercy. This statement, recorded in Luke 23:34, reveals the depth of Jesus’ compassion even in the midst of his suffering. As he hung on the cross, enduring unimaginable pain and humiliation, Jesus chose to pray for those who were responsible for his crucifixion. This act of forgiveness is a powerful testament to his character and also his mission.

The incarnate Son of God certainly had the power to end the agony of his suffering, but instead, he is praying a prayer of intercession for those who are inflicting this agony. Jesus’ response to his tormenters was not one of anger or condemnation, but of forgiveness. These words don’t simply show the mercy that filled his heart, they reveal the purpose of his death. Jesus was dying to purchase forgiveness of sins.

The soldiers that Jesus prayed for were not innocent for their wicked act, that’s why they needed to be forgiven, but they were ignorant. Not of the fact of wrongdoing itself. They were fully aware that a great injustice was being done against Jesus. But they were ignorant of the magnitude of this heinous act. Their spiritual blindness kept them from knowing that they were crucifying the Lord of glory.

Jesus’ plea for forgiveness was answered, not in the immediate and unconditional forgiveness of everyone who participated in his execution, but by those who would receive that forgiveness by repenting of their sins and placing their trust in the Savior. In light of his larger mission, Jesus was also praying for us. It was our sin that necessitated the death of the sinless Son of God and held him on that cross. And it’s our sin that Jesus asks his Father to forgive because he was willing to pay that death penalty for us.

2. “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” (Salvation)

As Jesus hung on the cross, suffering unjustly, he uttered his second statement, which is a promise of salvation to a repentant thief.

Initially, both criminals crucified alongside Jesus mocked him. However, as time passed, one of them experienced a profound change of heart. Perhaps it was Jesus’ prayer for His executioners—“Father, forgive them”—that stirred his conscience. Whatever the cause, his transformation was miraculous. He rebuked his fellow thief, acknowledged his own guilt, and recognized Christ’s innocence, saying, “This man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41). More importantly, this criminal, who had spent a lifetime in sin, turned to Jesus in faith, and humbly asked, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Luke 23:43 records Jesus’ response, the second of his last seven sayings: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” No one has ever received such explicit assurance of salvation. That Jesus could so confidently utter these words also testifies to his identity as the God who offers salvation.

This exchange also highlights the boundless grace of God, who offers forgiveness and redemption to all who seek it, regardless of their past. The thief had no opportunity to perform good works, make amends, or earn favor. He simply believed, and Christ granted him eternal life on the spot.

This promise of salvation reminds us that no sinner is beyond redemption. Salvation is not earned but freely given to all who turn to Christ in faith. That same promise of salvation is offered to any today, regardless of their sinful past. If we will acknowledge our sin and the just punishment our sin deserves, and humbly place our faith in Christ, we too will join Jesus in paradise.

3. “Behold your son; Behold your mother.” (Relationship)

Even in his greatest agony, Jesus’ focus was not on himself but on fulfilling his Father’s will. One of his final acts on the cross was ensuring that his mother, Mary, would be cared for. Joseph evidently passed away by this time, making Mary a widow. As the oldest son and the only one who was a believer at this time, the responsibility to care for his earthly mother fell to Jesus.

As Jesus hung on the cross, his mother stood nearby, watching in unimaginable sorrow. Simeon had prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:34–35), and now that moment had come. Mary had raised Jesus, knowing his perfection, yet now she saw him mocked, beaten, and crucified.

Seeing her pain, Jesus turned to her and to John, the disciple whom he loved, and uttered the third of his final sayings in John 19:26-27. He said to Mary, “Woman, behold your son.” Then to John, “Behold your mother”. In this tender moment, he entrusted his mother, Mary, to John’s care. This was not just about physical provision but demonstrated Jesus’ deep love and responsibility, even in his suffering.

The woman who was there at his first breath is there for his last. She cared for the earliest stages of his earthly life, and he is making preparations for her care for the remainder of her life when he is gone. Jesus, in his darkest hour, fulfilled the fifth commandment, setting an example of love and responsibility. His care for Mary reminds us to cherish, support, and nurture the relationships God has given us, both in our families and in the body of Christ.

The Seven Last Sayings of Our Savior, Part 1