More than 2000 years ago, a man by the name of Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross on Calvary. And while he hanged on the cross, he uttered seven statements that are now called the seven last words of Christ. He died on the cross but three days after his death he rose from the dead. Jesus was (and is) the Son of God who assumed the state of a human being in order to save humanity from sin and complete annihilation.
Today, these last words of Christ are part of the teachings of Christianity. They are words that are associated with the Lent season, particularly the holy week. They are read during religious rites or ceremonies, shared during group studies or retreats and remembered during one’s personal reflections.
Below are faith expression artworks based on these statements of forgiveness, love and salvation.
First of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:33-34 / KJV)
Second of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 / KJV)
Third of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19:25-27 / KJV)
Fourth of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:45-46 / KJV)
Fifth of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.” (John 19:28-29 / KJV)
Sixth of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished….” (John 19:30 / KJV)
Seventh of the Seven Last Words of Christ: “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” (Luke 23:44-47 / KJV)
