Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross
The Last Utterances of Christ
F. W. Robertson
“Seven dying sentences” recorded in the Gospels
Categorized by the book of the Bible:
- “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”
(recorded in both Matthew and Mark) - “Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
- “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”
(recorded in Luke) - “I thirst”
- “Behold thy mother; behold thy son.”
- “It is finished”
(recorded in John)
Categorized as 1) the natural exclamations of the man; and, 2) the utterances of the Savior
1) The Natural Exclamations of the Man
a. “I thirst”
b. “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
c. “Father, into Thy hand I commend My spirit.”
2) The Utterances of the Savior
a. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
b. “Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”
c. “Behold thy mother.”
d. “It is finished.”
Chronological arrangement:
1. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
2. “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
3. “Woman, behold thy son…Behold thy mother.” (John 19: 26,27)
4. “My God, My God, why has thou forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34)
5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
7. “Father, into Thy hand I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
F. W. Robertson, James Stalker, et. al., ” Sermons and Outlines on the Seven Words”, F. W. Robertson, James Stalker, et. al., (Grand Rapids: Baker Press, 1965)