The Seven Final Phrases of Christ
Immediately we stand on the foot of the Cross. We gaze upon the struggling of our Savior Jesus of Nazareth, crucified not for His personal sins, however for the sins of the world. As He hung between heaven and earth, suspended in agony, He spoke seven highly effective Phrases. These are usually not merely phrases of a dying man, however prophetic declarations, fulfilling centuries-old Holy Scripture, and saying the center of God’s redemptive plan.
Allow us to replicate upon these Seven Final Phrases of Christ, not simply to recollect His struggling, however to deepen our religion, our hope, and our gratitude for the completed work of the Cross.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
Prophecy Fulfilled: Isaiah 53:12 – “He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.”
The primary phrase is a prayer Jesus intercedes not for His mates, however for His enemies. Because the nails pierce His fingers and toes, He pleads for many who crucify Him. That is divine love in motion. That is the Excessive Priest interceding earlier than the Father, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would “make intercession.”
2. “Really I say to you, at present you can be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
Prophecy Fulfilled: Isaiah 53:9 Although “assigned a grave with the depraved,” He was “with the wealthy in His loss of life.”
The repentant thief receives a promise of everlasting life, which exhibits the immediacy of salvation to all who consider. The King, although crucified, nonetheless holds the facility to grant entrance to Paradise. This phrase confirms the Messiah’s authority over life, loss of life, and eternity.
3. “Girl, behold your son… Behold your mom.” John 19:26-27
Prophecy Fulfilled: Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mom.”
Even in struggling, Jesus fulfills the legislation completely. He honors His mom by entrusting her to John, the beloved disciple. This reveals Jesus’ humanity and His concern for these He loves. It additionally teaches us to take care of each other, because the Church is born on the foot of the Cross.
4. “My God, my God, why have you ever forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34
Prophecy Fulfilled: Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have you ever forsaken me?”
Jesus quotes Psalm 22, a messianic prophecy written 1,000 years earlier. On this second of ache, He experiences the religious weight of our sin and the abandonment sin causes. But even in despair, He calls God “My God,” exhibiting His belief stays. Psalm 22 ends in triumph, reminding us that this cry of dereliction results in deliverance.
5. “I thirst.” John 19:28
Prophecy Fulfilled: Psalm 69:21 – “They gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
This temporary phrase highlights His bodily agony. Jesus, the Dwelling Water, now thirsts in order that we, the spiritually thirsty, would possibly by no means thirst once more. In talking this phrase, He fulfills Scripture and exposes the cruelty He endured on our behalf.
6. “It’s completed.” John 19:30
Prophecy Fulfilled: Daniel 9:24 The atonement for iniquity is achieved.
In Greek, Jesus stated, “Tetelestai,” that means “Paid in full.” The debt of sin is canceled, the sacrificial system is fulfilled, the serpent is crushed, the veil is torn, and redemption is gained. This cry is just not of defeat however of victory. The mission of the Messiah is full.
7. “Father, into your fingers I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46
Prophecy Fulfilled: Psalm 31:5 “Into your fingers I commit my spirit.”
With His last breath, Jesus surrenders His life, which was not taken from Him however freely given. He trusts the Father totally. This phrase of submission reminds us of His obedience even unto loss of life. In His give up, we discover salvation.
The Cross: The place Prophecy, Love, and Salvation Meet
Every phrase from the Cross is a thread within the nice Message of redemption, merged from the guarantees of the Previous Testomony, fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He was the Passover Lamb, the Struggling Servant, the Sin Bearer, the Redeemer.
Allow us to not solely contemplate these sayings, however stay within the energy of what they achieved.
Forgiveness is obtainable. Salvation is assured. The mission is completed. And the Spirit is entrusted to the Father.
Allow us to now take up our cross, comply with Him, and declare with our lives:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.”
