The Seven Statements from the Cross

Seven in the Scripture often represents completeness or perfection. Numbers of biblical scholars have noted the fact that Christ, hanging on the Cross, dying for our sins, has seven things to say.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) This is the essence of what Christ’s sacrifice is all about. Romans 5:8 tells us that this sacrifice is God’s way of telling us of His love – even while we were lost in sin.
2. "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Comfort for a thief; comfort for us. The moment of death is an entrance into the presence of the Lord – for those who have trusted in Him. The thief is one of the greatest illustrations that works are not necessary to salvation.
3. "Dear woman, here is your son, ... Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27) Suffering and in agony, Jesus does not forget the needs of his mother. Sometimes believers get so wrapped up in service to the Lord that they forget to take care of the needs of their families. In the ultimate moment of sacrifice, our Example did not forget.
4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) Christ, in his humanity, feels the loneliness of a soul judged in hell. Feeling this sense of separation, he comforts himself by quoting the Scripture (Psalm 22:1). The feeling is only a feeling: Father, Son and Spirit are united in confronting man’s sin.
5. "I am thirsty." (John 19:28) How often have you heard, “Oh, but Jesus was God. He can’t understand how I feel”? Even at the moment of His greatest sacrifice, Christ’s understanding of our condition is revealed. He was thirsty – and said so.
6. "It is finished." (John 19:30) It stands completed! Everything necessary accomplished. Salvation’s sacrifice realized.
7. "Father, into your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23:46) In the final moments of life, there is only One who is “able to keep that which I’ve committed to Him against that day”.

Seven sayings. Seven moments in time. Seven markers for Christian faith. My prayer is that this quick review of the seven statements will help you prepare for both Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.