**Sayings of Jesus on the Cross**
**Definition**
The sayings of Jesus on the cross, also known as the „Seven Last Words,” refer to the seven expressions attributed to Jesus Christ during his crucifixion as recorded in the canonical Gospels. These sayings have been the subject of theological reflection, liturgical use, and artistic representation throughout Christian history.
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# Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
The sayings of Jesus on the cross are a collection of seven brief statements attributed to Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, as recorded in the New Testament Gospels. These utterances have been deeply influential in Christian theology, devotion, and liturgy, often referred to collectively as the „Seven Last Words.” They provide insight into Jesus’ suffering, his relationship with God the Father, his concern for others, and his fulfillment of scriptural prophecy. The sayings are found in the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and each Gospel contributes different elements to the overall narrative of the crucifixion.
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## Historical and Scriptural Context
The crucifixion of Jesus is a central event in Christian theology, marking the moment of his sacrificial death for the redemption of humanity. The Gospels describe Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution by crucifixion under Roman authority. The sayings attributed to Jesus during this event are brief but profound, reflecting his physical agony, spiritual anguish, and divine mission.
The seven sayings are derived from the following Gospel passages:
– Matthew 27:46, 50-51
– Mark 15:34, 37-39
– Luke 23:34, 43, 46
– John 19:26-30
Each Gospel writer emphasizes different aspects of Jesus’ final moments, contributing to a composite understanding of his words on the cross.
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## The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
The traditional enumeration of the seven sayings is as follows:
1. **“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”** (Luke 23:34)
2. **“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”** (Luke 23:43)
3. **“Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.”** (John 19:26-27)
4. **“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”** (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
5. **“I thirst.”** (John 19:28)
6. **“It is finished.”** (John 19:30)
7. **“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”** (Luke 23:46)
Each saying carries theological and pastoral significance, reflecting different dimensions of Jesus’ experience and mission.
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### 1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
This is the first recorded saying of Jesus on the cross, expressing forgiveness toward those responsible for his crucifixion. It highlights Jesus’ mercy and the theme of forgiveness central to his teachings. The phrase “they know not what they do” suggests ignorance on the part of the executioners, emphasizing the possibility of repentance and divine mercy.
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### 2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Addressed to one of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, this saying offers assurance of salvation and eternal life. It reflects Jesus’ authority to grant forgiveness and the promise of paradise to repentant sinners. This statement is often cited in discussions of the afterlife and the immediacy of salvation.
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### 3. “Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
In this saying, Jesus entrusts the care of his mother Mary to the beloved disciple, traditionally identified as John. This act demonstrates Jesus’ concern for familial responsibilities even in his final moments and has been interpreted as establishing a new spiritual family among his followers.
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### 4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
This anguished cry is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, expressing a profound sense of abandonment. It reveals the depth of Jesus’ suffering and his identification with human despair. The use of this Psalm also connects Jesus’ experience to Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the fulfillment of scripture.
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### 5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
This brief statement emphasizes Jesus’ physical suffering and humanity. It also fulfills the prophetic scripture from Psalm 69:21, which speaks of thirst and suffering. The saying has been interpreted symbolically as a desire for spiritual fulfillment and the completion of his redemptive work.
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### 6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
This declaration signifies the completion of Jesus’ mission on earth. The Greek term translated as “finished” (tetelestai) implies that a debt has been paid in full. The saying marks the fulfillment of the salvific purpose of the crucifixion and the accomplishment of God’s plan for redemption.
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### 7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
This final saying expresses Jesus’ trust and surrender to God the Father at the moment of death. It echoes Psalm 31:5 and reflects a peaceful acceptance of death, affirming faith in God’s providence and the hope of resurrection.
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## Theological Significance
The sayings of Jesus on the cross have been the subject of extensive theological reflection. They reveal key aspects of Christian doctrine, including:
– **Forgiveness and mercy:** Jesus’ plea for forgiveness exemplifies divine mercy extended even to enemies.
– **Salvation and eternal life:** The promise to the repentant thief affirms the possibility of salvation at the point of death.
– **Humanity and divinity:** The expressions of physical thirst and abandonment highlight Jesus’ full humanity, while his trust in the Father and fulfillment of scripture affirm his divinity.
– **Fulfillment of prophecy:** The sayings connect Jesus’ death to Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the continuity of God’s salvific plan.
– **Spiritual family:** The entrusting of Mary to the beloved disciple symbolizes the formation of a new community of believers.
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## Liturgical and Devotional Use
The Seven Last Words have been incorporated into Christian liturgy, especially during Good Friday services. Many Christian traditions hold special meditations or sermons on each saying, reflecting on their spiritual meaning and application.
In addition to liturgical use, the sayings have inspired numerous works of art, music, and literature. Composers such as Joseph Haydn and James MacMillan have created musical settings based on the Seven Last Words. Visual artists have depicted these moments in paintings, sculptures, and stained glass.
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## Variations and Interpretations
While the traditional list of seven sayings is widely accepted, variations exist due to differences in Gospel accounts. For example, the Gospel of John includes the sayings about Mary and the declaration “It is finished,” which are absent from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Conversely, Luke’s Gospel uniquely records the forgiveness of the executioners and the promise to the thief.
Scholars have debated the historical authenticity of these sayings, considering the theological motives of the Gospel writers. Some view the sayings as genuine historical utterances, while others see them as theological constructs designed to convey particular messages about Jesus’ identity and mission.
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## Conclusion
The sayings of Jesus on the cross remain a profound element of Christian faith and practice. They encapsulate the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death, and the hope of resurrection. Through these words, believers find a source of comfort, inspiration, and theological insight into the nature of Jesus as both human and divine.
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**Meta Description:**
The sayings of Jesus on the cross, known as the Seven Last Words, are seven expressions recorded in the Gospels during Jesus’ crucifixion, reflecting themes of forgiveness, salvation, and fulfillment of prophecy. These sayings hold significant theological and devotional importance in Christian tradition.