What is Good Friday’s meaning and Jesus’ 7 last words?
Introduction
Today, Christians around the world celebrate Good Friday. While the events we remember of this day are dark, the result of it is good. Thus, we call it Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Before Jesus gives up his life, he calls out 7 last sayings to God, ending with “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Learn what these sayings meant for Jesus and for you.
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Jesus’ 7 Last Words
Traditionally, there are 7 phrases that are associated with Jesus on the cross. These are his final sayings and words. They are compiled from across the four Gospel accounts, pieced together in logical and chronological order.
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Jesus’ 7 Last Words, the final words he says on the cross, are:
- “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
He offers forgiveness to the people who want him dead. They don’t understand the true meaning of what they are doing in killing him.
- “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
He offers absolution to the thief next to him. The thief’s sins are forgiven and he will be with Jesus in Paradise that day after he dies.
- “Woman, here is your son.” (John 19:26)
Jesus entrusts his mother Mary to John the disciple for him to take care of her from now on as a son would.
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46)
Jesus is in anguish and quotes Psalm 22 as he is about to bear the full wrath of God’s judgment for humankind’s sin.
- “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
Jesus calls out for physical and spiritual drink in this moment.
- “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
God’s great plan of redemption for humankind has been completed as dies on behalf of sinners.
- “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
This last phrase is when Jesus gives up his spirit, placing his dying last breath into the hands of his father, quoting Psalm 31.
What Jesus’ 7 Last Words on the Cross Mean
It is in this moment of saying his final saying that he experiences the full wrath and judgment of God, on our behalf.
Jesus gives up his life for us. He bears the weight of judgment of sin for us. He stands in our place. Jesus is separated from God. He is alone. He is in torment. And, he enters into death so he can defeat it. He redeems.
What Jesus’ Final Word on the Cross Means
When Jesus says he commends his spirit into his Father’s hands, he means that he is entrusting his soul for safekeeping, for protection, to his Father. He is committing his soul to God the Father.
Jesus is Comforted by God’s Promises in Scripture
But there is more to Jesus’ meaning. Jesus is quoting Psalm 31:5, “Into your hand I commit my spirit,” when he says “into your hands I commend my spirit.” Commending means committing. He is using scripture, God’s own words, in his dying breath.
Jesus wants those who know God and his words to think about the meaning of Psalm 31 in that final moment. In Psalm 31 King David finds comfort in knowing that God is his protector and that he promises to rescue him. So too, Jesus finds comfort in knowing that his Father will protect him and rescue him quickly from the clutches of death, to which he is entering.
Jesus is comforted by God’s promises. The Father will protect Jesus as he enters death. The Father will rescue Jesus from death. Jesus will triumph over the grave.
Jesus’ Comfort on the Cross is Our Comfort Too
Even though the sting of death is sin, Jesus takes all the sin of sinners with him to the cross. Death will have no victory over believers because Jesus is conquering it on that Good Friday (1 Cor 15:54-57).
Jesus will enter death but he will rise victorious, having defeated death and borne the wrath of God’s judgment for sin, three days later.
He finds comfort from God in those final moments, in his final breath. Jesus commends his spirit into his Father’s hands, and he dies.
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Summary
In summary, we learned:
- What Good Friday means
- What Jesus’ 7 last words on the cross were and what they meant for him
- The meaning of Jesus’ final words “Into your hands I commend my spirit” for him and for us
Conclusion
Now that you know Good Friday is good, not for the terrible events of the crucifixion, but for their meaning in cleansing us from our sins and accomplishing God’s purposes in sending his son.
Jesus’ 7 last words on the cross each have a significance of their own and are meant to teach us how to follow God better and to find comfort in this life.
How do Jesus’ 7 last sayings help you understand the purpose of Jesus’ death? What are your thoughts and questions about Jesus’ final sayings? Did you find this helpful? Leave questions or comments below, and don’t forget to share on social media.
Other Helpful Resources
- Finding Someone to Trust in the Midst of Pain
- “Father, Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit” sermon
- Mary, the Mother of Jesus- The Unexpected Ending
- Why I Decided to Join the Episcopal Church
- Visualizing New Life in Christ
- Spring, Easter, and New Life
- What is Ascension Day? A Simple Way to Get Peace in Your Life
- What is Pentecost? Strength for Life’s Trials
- Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
For a more in-depth look at Jesus’ final word “Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit,” check out my Good Friday meditation.
For an excellent small book on Jesus’ seven final sayings, see Seven Lasting Words by Christopher R. Seitz.
10 Comforting Verses for Surviving Hard Times
You want to know how Scripture brings hope when life is hard. Download my limited-time, free PDF “10 Comforting Verses for Surviving a Crisis.”
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