By Gerri Leder
Jesus prepared his disciples for his absence in the weeks before his torture and crucifixion.
He struggled, prayed, pleaded with His Father, all to accept and prepare for his certain death and return to Him. He told his followers he would return, although he didn’t say when. He directed them to build his kingdom on earth, although he didn’t say how. He turns up in their midst after his resurrection, yet they do not recognize him, nor are they prepared to ask him all the questions they will surely have about what is next.
Once our loved ones leave this world, we have so many questions for them. They leave behind cherished memories, photographs, and stories with missing details. The parting words of our loved ones can never fulfill all we need to know and want to hear. And so it is with Jesus.
When a woman in my Bible Study mentions the Seven Last Words of Jesus, I draw a blank.
“You never heard of his Seven Last Words?” she asked. I shook my head. She says there was even a movie, The Seven Last Words, produced in 2019, and although I couldn’t find the film, I found several YouTube videos by the same name. Before Pentecost arrives on May 24, I have work to do to complete the lessons of Easter season.
The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the cross are truly declarations; each of the seven offers its own message, standing alone as a testament of purpose and profound meaning. Let’s linger with Jesus’ statements as the Easter season gives way to the Pentecost:
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Jesus expresses forgiveness and intercession to the men who are crucifying Him.
Who do we need to forgive?
- “Amen I say to thee: today thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
He offers the hope of salvation to all believers as fruits of His sacrifice.
- “Woman, behold thy son,” and “Behold, thy Mother.” John 19:26-27
Jesus is appointing John to care for His Mother (a widow) after His death. According to the late Pope John Paul II, “with these words Jesus gave the Blessed Virgin Mary a new mission and established a special relationship of love between her and all the disciples.”
- “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46/Mark 15:34
His plea for mercy reveals separation from His father. His cry reflects Jesus’ fully human struggle with abandonment and search for meaning in his suffering, just as when we suffer, we ask “why?” and cannot always hear God’s voice.
- “I thirst.” John 19:28
His throat is parched; his tongue is sticking to the inside of his mouth. He thirsts unbearably for more than water; he longs for the salvation of souls. He is the lamb of God who is taking away the sins of the world. In His agony, God’s plan is being fulfilled.
- “It is finished.” John 19:30
These three words reveal the end to his incarnate mission. He has fulfilled God’s plan, as He lived among us and died to forgive our sins. His mission on Earth is fulfilled, so that we might live forever.
- “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46
With these words of submission to God the Father, he breathes his last, completes his mission on earth, and submits His soul to return to his Father.
Taken together, these last declarations — more than seven ‘words’ — reveal the intention of Jesus’ incarnate mission, the depth of his suffering, and the sacrifice of His death to redeem our sins. There is no greater gift than His life and death for our sins.
Lingering with these words as we celebrate His Ascension, I feel His suffering and I am grateful that He lived and died for us. I remember my own mission and promises to the Father.
Gerri Leder is a spiritual director and small group and retreat leader. She graduated from the Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute after retiring from a business career. She lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, Steve.