The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross: A Theological and Historical Examination

Key facts

• The seven sayings of Jesus from the cross are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• Crucifixion was first historically recorded in the 6th century BC under Persian King Darius I.
• The crucifixion site, Golgotha, is traditionally located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
• British Major-General Charles Gordon proposed Gordon's Calvary as an alternative site in the late 19th century.
• The first saying, 'Father, forgive them,' is found in Luke 23:34.
• The second saying, 'Today you will be with me in paradise,' is addressed to the repentant thief in Luke 23:43.
• The third saying, 'Woman, here is your son,' entrusts Mary to John in John 19:26.
• The fourth saying, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' quotes Psalm 22:1 in Matthew 27:46.
• The fifth saying, 'I am thirsty,' fulfills Psalm 69:21 and Psalm 22:15 in John 19:28.
• The sixth saying, 'It is finished' (tetelestai), means 'paid in full' in John 19:30.
• The seventh saying, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,' quotes Psalm 31:5 in Luke 23:46.
• The cross symbolizes Christ's victory over sin and death; Catholics use crucifixes with Christ's figure, Protestants prefer an empty cross.