Jesus' Words on the Cross

The words spoken by Jesus during his crucifixion are among the most intense and most meditated passages in all the Gospels. Traditionally grouped under the name "Seven Words from the Cross," these brief sentences condense into a few moments the essence of Jesus' message: forgiveness, trusting surrender to the Father, compassion toward his mother and those close to him, and the fulfillment of his mission.

Each of these words is reported by one or more Evangelists, which gives rise to fascinating comparisons between the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Some are found in only one Gospel, inviting reflection on the theological choices proper to each author and on the complementarity of the testimonies.

This theme naturally belongs to the larger sequence of the Passion and the death of Jesus, in connection with subjects such as the crucifixion, the signs accompanying the death of Christ, and the chronology of the last hours. It will interest the spiritual reader as much as the one concerned to understand how the Gospels converge and differ on this foundational moment.

Study 1 of 2 · What were Jesus' last words before his death?

Study 1: What were Jesus' last words before his death?
Study 2: The Promise of the Holy Spirit