(Tomorrow is Good Friday, commemoration of the day Jesus died. I know, the “good” part is confusing, but Easter is right around the corner. This post is a repeat from a past Holy Week.)

While Jesus was dying on the cross, he was mostly silent. He spoke just seven times, often called the Seven Last Words of Christ. We have to look at all four Gospel accounts to get all seven sentences.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
“‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“I am thirsty.”
“It is finished.”
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

In seven words, he was forgiving, loving, protective, honest, human, complete and victorious.

Then this part of his journey ended.

If you knew you were about to die, what would your last words be? Jesus didn’t use his last hours to summarize his mission or preach one last time or lash out at his killers or even defend himself. It seems he had lived his life and had already said what needed to be said.

What a lesson for us, to do the life we want while we’re living. To not wait until we’re older or dying to make corrections.

What seven words do you aspire to?