Description Amidst the agony of the crucifixion, Jesus spoke seven times to those gathered there. If you were present at the last words of any dying man you loved, you would value them. Yet here we have the last words spoken before Jesus lovingly took our place in the court of God’s justice! Seven words! – In harmony with the sacred seven-number of Scripture, denoting completeness – they express the full gospel of salvation from the lips of the dying Saviour. Each is a pearl of great price that appreciates in value through the centuries to comfort and inspire God’s people. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise. Woman, behold thy son! . . . Behold thy mother! Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? I thirst! It is finished! Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Ireland reflects, “We shall ‘wonder at the gracious words which proceeded out of thy mouth,’ when hanging as a curse for us on the tree of Calvary!”
