Good Friday 18                          Seven Last Words                          

As I read through the service prepared for us this evening, I noticed that the conclusion of the service would be with the seven last words of Jesus from the cross, and so I thought I would give my thoughts on these seven last words.

Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. Forgiveness is one of the main themes of Jesus preaching. Forgiveness not only is freeing for the person forgiven, but for us as well. As long as we hold onto past slights and grudges, our need for retribution is a poison in our souls, and leads to all kind of punitive and vengeful actions that only increases our sufferings. Even at the cross as Jesus’ hands and feet are being nailed to the cross, he forgives the actions, as well as that of the crowd who cried for his crucifixion. He knows well, that forgiveness can only be offered, the question is, whether we are ready to accept that forgiveness and turn and lead new lives.

Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. In this word from the cross, Jesus speaks to the second thief that is being crucified with him. The first, mocks and condemns him with the rest, but the second defends him, asking if the first is not afraid of God, for both stand under the same judgement, yet confessing that Jesus is without guilt. These to thieves offer an insight into human life, we are all guilty of sins, some small some great, but some of us are unwilling to acknowledge our guilt, thinking only of ourselves, while others recognize the difference between right and wrong, the difference between good and evil. The second thief can acknowledge his wrongdoing, and recognize the Christ who is innocent. And for this Jesus promises him a place in paradise.

Woman, here is your son, Here is you mother. What is it like for a mother to watch her son die upon the cross? Who can know? Yet in this moment, Jesus’ thoughts are for his mother, and so he offers to her a new son, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. We remember Jesus asking, “Who are my brothers, and sisters, and mother,…. those who love God the father, and believe in him. In the same way, are we now given to one another, as we remember his death on the cross. We are now brothers, and sisters, and mothers, to one another, one family in Christ.

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, My God, why has though forsaken me? Some of you might recognize these as the opening words to Psalm 22. If you have read the Psalm, which I highly recommend, it is the cry of the suffering servant of God, who in facing his trials feels abandoned. Through the course of the Psalm, the psalmist remembers the saving acts of God in the past, and power of God in his life to redeem him from suffering and sin. At the conclusion of the Psalm is a powerful affirmation of the belief in God’s salvation of both the psalmist and of the world. This cry of despair is actually a statement of faith, and those of us who face such trials in our lives, who complain that God is not there, are challenged by this statement to find our faith in God to lead us through these trials to new and everlasting life.

I thirst, at this saying, there are some who run to get Jesus a drink, wine in a sponge, perhaps laced with something to ease his suffering. But if one has read enough of the old testament, one knows there is another meaning for thirst. The prophets speak continually about the thirst for justice and righteousness among God’s people. In the light of the injustice of the cross, Jesus in quoting the prophets, is appealing to his followers to thirst for justice and righteousness in their lives. To not allow ourselves to be blind to the ways in which the world, discriminates, divides, and disposes of those who do not play along. In our world today, I can think of no clearer case than that of our school children, who thirst, for safety in their classrooms. And that is not the only case in which we should thirst for justice and righteousness in our society.  

It is finished, In our world of winners and loser, this might seem like Jesus has given up, or given in to the powers of the world. But look at it this way, Jesus has run the race his Father has set for him, he has done the ministry called of him, he has endured the suffering he has been asked to face. In all of this he has been faithful, and now, he has completed his work successfully! It is finished, is not a cry of giving in, it is a cry of victory! He has done all that is necessary for our salvation, and for the salvation of the world.

And finally, from the gospel of Luke, Into thy hands I commend my spirit. Many of us who read the psalms, know that this phrase was included in our lectionary reading last Sunday. It is said that this phrase was part of a Hebrew child’s bedtime prayers, in which they commended themselves to God before bed. Many of you recall the children’s prayer – now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. This prayer is based on this psalm. The childlike prayer of total trust in God to care for them, are last words Jesus speaks from the cross.  

Now I have read three different authors who have written on the seven last words of Jesus. And there may yet be other ways in you have heard and interpreted them for your lives. But in all of these words, I find a faith in God, that saw Jesus through his time of suffering and death, and I believe they will find you through your times of suffering to new and everlasting life. Amen.