Jesus’ final words on the cross as dies to redeem mankind
Today, Good Friday, we look carefully at Jesus’ final words on the cross as he dies to redeem mankind. This is a special morning devotion for all Christians as we celebrate the special grace of God through the sacrificing of his only begotten sun.
Theme: Jesus’ Final Words taken from Luke 23:33-43
Scripture (NIV)
³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar
³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflection on Jesus’ final words on the cross
The Love of the King (23:33–38)
When we take time to consider what Jesus endured—the betrayal and arrest, the endless mocking, the torturous beatings, the unjust trials, and the humiliating death on the cross—we are astounded all the more by the words that come out of Jesus’ mouth as He hangs in agony: “Father, forgive them” (v. 34). Instead of demonstrating bitterness, anger, or even helplessness, Jesus emanates love and forgiveness as He is about to breathe His last and as people continue to sneer at Him. The inscription “The King of the Jews” is meant to be a condemning charge from the Romans, but for those who have accepted Jesus’ love and forgiveness, it is a powerful confession of truth.
Who are some people you find it hard to forgive? How can you fight this spirit of unforgiveness?
The Promise of Paradise (23:39–43)
There is a sharp contrast between the two criminals: The first is full of contempt for Jesus while the second sees who Jesus really is and acknowledges Him. The second criminal is about to die for his horrible deeds, and he cannot perform any righteous acts as a follower of Jesus. Yet, Jesus promises a place for him in paradise, the everlasting home of those who believe. What an extraordinary picture of grace! When we recognize that Jesus is indeed the Savior, we come before Him empty-handed, crying out for mercy, just like the second criminal. We can never attain His promises by our own righteousness. Our hope resides only in God’s perfect grace that He freely extends to us.
When have you tried to live by trusting in your own righteousness? In what ways have you experienced God’s grace?
READ: The redemptive power words of Christ on the cross before his death
Prayer: Jesus’ final words on the cross
Lord, I am ever in awe of Your great love for me, and how quick You are to forgive. I lay myself at Your feet, thanking You for Your grace and receiving Your mercy anew. May my only hope be in Your righteousness alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
