Topic: Seven Powerful Life Changing Statements
Jesus hung on the cross for six agonizing hours before succumbing to the torture of crucifixion through asphyxiation. During that time, Jesus made seven statements on the cross recorded in the four gospels of the New Testament. Each of these statements is significant and worthy of every drop of your mental power.
"Mic drop" is a term that signifies a performer drops the microphone at the end of a performance. When someone literally drops the microphone, it's an expression of triumph. For many, the term "mic drop" is known and even passé at this point. Yet, for others, the term "mic drop" is new to your ears. To drop the mic signifies a decisive moment—a crescendo, if you will. Nothing is left to be said on the matter. Presidents, performers and even princes have dropped the mic at significant moments in their personal lives.
But surely, no one drops the mic like Jesus. Surely, at the end of time, Jesus is the only one with the microphone that matters. He will have the last word. In fact, Jesus' entire life is God's ultimate mic drop. God the Father told the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration when His voice came out of the cloud, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!" (Luke 9:35). And while the entire life of Jesus is noteworthy, the seven last words of Jesus are among the most noteworthy.
During Jesus' six agonizing hours on the cross, Jesus made seven statements recorded in the four gospels. They are not just cute sayings of wisdom or philosophical nuggets to remember like a fortune cookie. They represent seven things that Jesus did and said in the moments of His death. While it is impossible to be certain about the absolute exact order of Jesus' statements as they are scattered over the four gospels, most serious Bible students agree on the following sequence.
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34b)
- “Woman, behold, your son!” (John 19:26)
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
- “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
- “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
- “It is finished!” (John 19:30)
Slow down to consider each of these seven statements. Do not gloss over the cross of Jesus as a forsaken fact. Instead, allow your mind to marinate in every detail of the important day in history called Good Friday.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem