On 7 different occasions during the last 6 hours of His life, Jesus spoke. He prayed for forgiveness (Luke 23:34), He promised Paradise to a criminal (Luke 23:43), He assigned the care of His mother to an apostle (John 19:26-27), He quoted from Psalms (Matthew 27:46), He acknowledged His thirst (John 19:28), He indicated that His mission was complete (John 19:30), and He surrendered His spirit (Luke 23:46). What do we learn from Jesus’ final words and how do they impact our understanding of what it means to follow?
33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”38 There was also an inscription over Him, “This is the King of the Jews.””
Luke 22:33-38