We often put more stock into things people say at the end of their lives, not the beginning. In some ways it’s because people often have a lot more wisdom at the end of their lives. It’s also because when people have little time left, they only say what is most important.
This is true of Jesus as well. While He was fully God in His divinity and was sinless, Scripture also tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52).” When He spoke from the cross, He was telling us the most important things. Here are seven of the last things He said.
#1 “Father, forgive them.”
One of the last things He did was offer forgiveness (Luke 23:34). He forgave them for crucifying Him. It wasn’t that He wasn’t in pain – He was. He was willing to forgive them during His suffering.
#2 He Offered Eternal Life
When He was on the cross He continued to proclaim the gospel. This is what He did with those being punished on crosses next to Him. Jesus proclaimed the gospel and one criminal accepted it. Jesus then told him, “Today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).
#3 Jesus Cared for Others
Even though Jesus was suffering, He cared about others. One of the last things He did was ensure His mother was taken care of. He told the disciple “behold your mother (John 19:26-27).” In other words, He was making sure His mom was taken care of after He passed.
#4 Jesus Felt the Weight of Separation from God
God the Father cannot be around sin or even look at it. Because of this, Jesus took the weight of our sin and God looked away. For the first time in eternity Jesus felt separation from the Father. This is why He said “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34)”
#5 Jesus Showed His Humanity
Jesus was fully man, even though He was fully God. You can study this more in Philippians 2:5-8. We see His humanity through His suffering. He simply said from the cross, “I thirst” (John 19:28).
#6 Jesus Followed God the Father No Matter What
Jesus was a great example of obedience to the end. He was also an example of obeying even when it is not easy. He followed God even when it meant the cross. He followed and trusted His Father. This is why right before He died He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit! (Luke 23:46).”
#7 Jesus Declared Victory
The last thing Jesus did is declare victory over sin. His death paid for our sin. It was at that time that our payment was made. This is why just before He passed He declared, “It is finished (John 19:30).”
What can you learn from the last things Jesus said? What do you think you will say at the end of your life? What will you have to offer? How can Jesus’ last words impact the way you live your life?
Thanks for taking time to read this Maddening Theology post. If you enjoyed this content you can find Pastor Tim’s sermons at www.cornerstoneforestcity.org. You can also join us at 520 Marion St. Browndale, PA 18421 on Sundays at 10 AM. To make following the blog easier you can also register. You can also join us on Facebook at Cornerstone Forest City. Also, don’t forget to download our APP on iTunes or Googleplay.