Jesus' Last Words - What He Said Before He Died
Jesus' Last Words - The Meaning Behind His Final Moments
The sun was fading behind the hills of Jerusalem as Jesus hung on the cross. His body was broken, His breathing labored. The crowds shouted insults, the soldiers gambled for His clothes, and the sky grew strangely dark.
Yet in those final hours, Jesus spoke words that would change the world forever.
These weren't just the last gasps of a dying man. They were powerful messages of love, forgiveness, and hope - words meant for everyone, including you and me today.
1. "Father, Forgive Them" (Luke 23:34)
As the nails tore through His hands and feet, Jesus looked down at the soldiers who had crucified Him. Instead of cursing them, He prayed:
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing."
Think about that. While in unimaginable pain, Jesus asked God to forgive the very people hurting Him.
Why This Matters:
Shows God's limitless forgiveness
Proves Jesus practiced what He preached (love your enemies)
Means no one is beyond God's mercy
For Us Today: If Jesus could forgive those who crucified Him, He can forgive anything in your life too.
2. "Today You'll Be With Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43)
Two criminals hung beside Jesus. One mocked Him, but the other said:
"Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
Jesus turned to him and promised:
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise."
Why This Matters:
Shows salvation is available to anyone, anytime
Proves we're saved by faith, not good works
Gives hope that it's never too late to turn to God
For Us Today: Like that thief, we just need to ask Jesus to remember us.
3. "Dear Woman, Here Is Your Son" (John 19:26-27)
Looking down from the cross, Jesus saw His mother Mary crying. Nearby stood John, His closest friend. Jesus said to Mary:
"Dear woman, here is your son."
Then to John:
"Here is your mother."
Why This Matters:
Shows Jesus cared for others even while suffering
Reminds us to care for our families
Proves love is shown through actions
For Us Today: Jesus understands family struggles and will help us through them.
4. "My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)
In the darkest moment, Jesus cried out:
"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"
This was the only time Jesus called God "God" instead of "Father."
Why This Matters:
Jesus experienced separation from God so we wouldn't have to
He took the punishment for all our wrongs
Shows how much our salvation cost
For Us Today: Because Jesus was forsaken, we can always be close to God.
5. "I Am Thirsty" (John 19:28)
After hours on the cross, Jesus said simply:
"I am thirsty."
A soldier gave Him sour wine on a sponge.
Why This Matters:
Shows Jesus was fully human - He felt real pain
Fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 69:21)
Reminds us He understands our physical needs
For Us Today: Jesus knows what it's like to suffer and can comfort us.
6. "It Is Finished" (John 19:30)
With His last strength, Jesus shouted:
"It is finished!"
This wasn't a cry of defeat, but of victory.
Why This Matters:
The work of salvation was complete
All our sins were paid for
No more sacrifices were needed
For Us Today: We don't have to earn God's love - Jesus did it all!
7. "Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit" (Luke 23:46)
Jesus' final words were peaceful:
"Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit."
Then He bowed His head and died.
Why This Matters:
Shows Jesus trusted God completely
Proves He gave His life willingly
Gives us a model for facing death
For Us Today: We can trust God with our lives - and our deaths.
What This Means For You
Jesus' last words weren't just for the people at the cross. They were for you:
Forgiveness is possible - no matter what you've done
It's never too late to turn to God
Jesus understands your pain and struggles
Salvation is complete - you can't earn it
You can trust God with your whole life
The Choice We All Face
Two thieves hung beside Jesus. One rejected Him. One was saved.
Which one will you be?
Jesus' last words show how much He loves you. The question is: Will you accept that love?
Because here's the amazing truth - the story didn't end at the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that everything He said was true.
His last words on earth were actually the beginning of a new hope for all of us.
What will you do with His words today?
Final Thought: The cross shows how far Jesus was willing to go for you. His last words prove how much He loves you. The empty tomb shows He has power to change your life.
Will you let Him?