The Seven Sayings (2)

Aaron Erhardt

Sep 15, 2026

Last week, we looked at three of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. We will now examine the other four.

(4) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34)? For obvious reasons, many read these words and immediately assume Jesus was abandoned by the Father on the cross. However, a deeper dive will show that this is not the case. (1) Jesus was not asking a question in search of information. He was quoting scripture to teach the people. This line is from Psalm 22:1, which is a prophecy that graphically depicts the crucifixion scene. He was bringing this to their attention so they might see that it was being fulfilled before their very eyes. (2) Twice during His earthly ministry, Jesus promised the Father’s perpetual presence and both times it was in a context of the cross (John 8:28-29; 16:32). The Greek denotes a continuous, on-going, uninterrupted action. (3) Jesus went on talking to the Father after making this statement. That would be odd if He really thought the Father had left Him. (4) Even on the cross, Jesus was the perfect lamb without spot or blemish, dying for the sins of the world but not making them His own. Hence, there was no reason for the Father to forsake Him. (5) It is absurd to think that Jesus was affirming the thoughts of unbelievers. In their minds, He was a God-forsaken man who deserved to die. Jesus was not affirming those thoughts, He was seeking to correct them.

(5) “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28). These words highlight the humanity of Jesus. Though He was fully God, He was also fully man. For instance, He was born (Galatians 4:4), slept (Mark 4:38), cried (John 11:35), and died (John 19:30). It is amazing to think that the One who created water, turned water into wine, and offered living water to others, was thirsty on the cross. Moreover, these words fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 22:15; 69:21).

(6) “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). Jesus came to earth on a mission, and now that work was complete. He had successfully been born of a woman, lived a perfect life, and was now dying as the perfect sacrifice. This includes triumphing over the devil and death, fulfilling the Old Law, and providing the purchase price for the church.

(7) “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit” (Lk. 23:46). As noted last week, Luke records the first and last sayings, both of which are addressed to the Father. Jesus was now entrusting His soul to God in His final breaths. Stephen made a similar statement as He was dying (Acts 7:59).

As we consider these seven sayings, I am impressed with how confident Jesus was as He faced death. He knew exactly who was in control and had no doubt His Father would carry Him home. Are we living in such a way as to have the same degree of trust and confidence? If not, why not? Hope to see you at the Village Church of Christ this Sunday!