What are the last seven sayings of Christ and what do they mean?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross reveal His deep anguish, love, and obedience during His final moments. These sayings include cries of abandonment (Matthew 27:46), pleas for the Father to forgive His oppressors (Luke 23:34), promises of salvation (Luke 23:43), trust in the Father (Luke 23:46), care for His mother (John 19:26-27), expressions of physical thirst (John 19:28), and the declaration that His mission was complete (John 19:30). Jesus’ words fulfill Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 22:1, 69:21) and show His heart for both His enemies and followers. His final declaration, “It is finished,” affirms that His sacrifice fully paid for humanity’s sins (John 19:30). These sayings challenge us to respond to His sacrifice with faith, trusting in the completed work of Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The seven last sayings of Jesus Christ are not found in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Gospel writers recorded seven specific sayings by Jesus during His time on the cross. They include:
• "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?": Matthew 27:46 includes this Aramaic expression that means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus declared His difficult emotions in these words, asking why God the Father would turn away from Him during His most difficult human struggle. In addition, this statement was a fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by the psalmist in Psalm 22:1.
• "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do": Luke 23:34 offers a different glimpse into Jesus' time on the cross by revealing His heart for His enemies. He recognized that His opponents did not realize their role of putting the Son of God to death. Even in His greatest torment, Jesus cared deeply for His most adamant opposition.
• "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise": Luke 23:43 presents Christ's response to the criminal on the cross who believed in Him. Even though the man had lived a sinful life and had no time to live differently, His faith in Jesus was enough to hear Jesus grant Him salvation. This declaration also provides insight regarding where Jesus spent the time between His earthly death and resurrection three days later.
• "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit": Luke 23:46 notes the point at which Jesus realized His body was about to die. His Spirit would return to the Father (to Paradise, as in Luke 23:43).
• "’Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ’Behold, your mother!’": John 19:26-27 provides an explanation for what would happen to Mary, the mother of Jesus. John, the one disciple mentioned at the cross, was commanded to care for Mary as if she was his own mother. Even in His torment, Jesus showed great concern for His family.
• "I thirst.": John 19:28 gave a reason for the Roman guards to bring Jesus vinegar mixed with wine, fulfilling Psalm 69:21 that reads, "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink."
• "It is finished": John 19:30 provides the final words Jesus spoke before His death on the cross. He declared His work and purpose had been completed. The payment for the sins of humanity had been fully paid through His sacrifice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Scripture doesn’t indicate everything that may have taken place or was said at the cross. However, the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross that it does record reveal His heart in the midst of unimaginable suffering. The Son of God experienced deep anguish and isolation yet still willingly died in our place. Jesus endured suffering, rejection, and death because He loved us even while we were still sinners. His final words on the cross invite us not just to admire His love but to respond with faith, repentance, and worship. In light of His mercy, we are called to live each day as a testimony of His grace, offering our lives back to Him in trust and service.

Jesus’ final words also challenge us in the way we respond to suffering and difficulty. When we feel forsaken, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus has been there too—and He understands. His plea for forgiveness for His enemies challenges us to examine how we treat those who wrong us. If Jesus could offer mercy in His dying breath, how much more should we extend grace in our daily lives? Jesus’ words to the repentant thief also remind us that salvation is not about our past but about trusting Him in the present. His care for His mother shows the value He places on family and personal responsibility, even in our hardest moments.

Above all, Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” should fill us with peace and certainty—His sacrifice is perfect and complete. Jesus completed the work of redemption. Everyone who trusts in His death and resurrection has salvation and forgiveness. Because of this, we need not live in fear or despair but with hope and confidence in the One who loved us and died for us.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus’ seven last sayings reveal His suffering, love, and obedience on the cross.
• Jesus’ final saying “It is finished” gives us hope and assurance that His sacrifice is complete and effective.
• Jesus’ last sayings call us to respond with faith and hope in His completed work.

REFLECT

• How do Jesus’ final words on the cross shape the way you understand His love and sacrifice for you personally?
• How do Jesus’ final words challenge or encourage you?
• When you face suffering or feelings of abandonment, how can Jesus’ experience on the cross give you comfort and strength?

ENGAGE

• How do Jesus’ last sayings challenge us to respond to pain and injustice in our own lives and communities?
• What does Jesus’ care for His mother on the cross teach us about responsibility and compassion for others even in times of immense difficulty?
• How can we live out the hope and assurance found in Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” in our daily walk with God?