The Seven Sayings (1)

Aaron Erhardt

Sep 8, 2026

The number “seven” is very significant in Scripture. It appears over 700 times and often represents completion or perfection. Thus, it is a fitting number for God whereas “six” denotes incompletion or imperfection and is said to be “the number of man” (Rev. 13:18).

There were seven days of creation (counting the day of rest), Noah brought seven pairs of clean animals onto the ark, two of the three major feasts, Unleavened Bread and Tabernacles, lasted seven days, Naaman dipped in the Jordan River seven times, there are seven “I AM” statements by Jesus, seven men were selected to serve tables in Jerusalem, and seven churches are addressed in Revelation. This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows how significant that number is biblically. Today, we are going to look at another example — the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross.

All the gospel writers include at least one saying, but none more than three. Luke records the first and last sayings, both of which are addressed to the Father. The brevity of the seven sayings would be typical of crucifixion victims.

(1) “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34). Jesus practiced what He preached. He talked a lot about forgiveness during His earthly ministry and now He demonstrated it. Jesus didn’t just speak forgiveness, He showed forgiveness. Stephen and Paul made similar statements (Acts 7:60; 2 Tim. 4:16). This also shows that Jesus was not mad but sad. It broke His heart that they were so blinded and He still had their best interest at heart.

(2) “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). This was spoken to one of the robbers dying next to Jesus. It does not refer to heaven in this text, but to the place of comfort in Hades (Lk. 16:19-31). “Hades” is the intermediate state where disembodied spirits remain until the Second Coming. Think of it as kind of a spiritual waiting room until the Lord returns. We know this refers to Hades because in his sermon on Pentecost, Peter said that Jesus’ spirit went to Hades that day (Acts 2: 27, 31). Though the thief had railed against Jesus earlier, he came to his senses just in time!

(3) “Woman, behold your son… Behold, your mother” (Jn. 19:26-27). The last time we read about Joseph is in Luke 2, when Jesus was just twelve years old. Therefore, this saying implies the death of Joseph. If he were still living, Jesus would not need to entrust His mother’s care to John. This statement also shows that our Lord obeyed the fifth commandment – to honor your mother and father – till the very end. Like any good son, He wanted to know his mom was in good hands. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not make any earthly provisions for a wife. This is strong evidence that He never married.

Lord willing, we will look at the remaining sayings next week. Hope to see you at the Village Church of Christ this Sunday!