The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross: A Devotional Reflection

I am so grateful that our church chooses to celebrate communion every week. This past week’s exhortation really hit home for me, and I asked my friend if I could share his words with you here on Soul Water. Mike Wascher Jr. is a student of God’s Word and has a gift for articulating and sharing the deep messages offered to us contained in the Bible. I hope you are blessed by this remembrance.

His Compassion

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:33-34

Once there was a man, a righteous Man, who they nailed to a cross; and who, in the waning hours leading up to His last breath, uttered seven phrases. The Gospel narratives record these utterances while He willingly suffered under the weight of our sin, fulfilling ancient prophecies and submitting to the will of His Father.

The first three phrases reveal the compassion of the Man unjustly sentenced. Picture the crowd: executioners dividing His garments, soldiers mocking, priests sneering, and a criminal hurling insults. Yet Jesus, in compassion beyond comprehension, prays, “Father, forgive them.”

Behold the man upon a cross:
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townsend

“For while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son…” – Romans 5:10a

“…Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” – Hebrews 12:2b

His Mercy

The criminal beside Jesus sees the injustice, feels the gravity of the moment, and places his final hope in this righteous Man.

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” – Luke 23:42
“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

Even in His suffering, Jesus extends mercy and promises eternal life—a reminder of the power and efficacy of the blood of the Lamb.

O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
no other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus by Robert Lowery performed by Cumberland Worship

His Provision

“Woman, behold, your son!… Behold, your mother!” – John 19:26–27

Even in agony, Jesus honors His mother, ensuring she will be cared for. With this final earthly task complete, He turns fully to the wrath of God on mankind’s sin.

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

He became sin, who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross.
Love so amazing.
Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin

His Suffering – In Body

“I am thirsty.” – John 19:28

Just the night before, Jesus grieved in Gethsemane, knowing the cost of obedience. Now, physically depleted and in torment, He fulfills Scripture even in thirst.

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” – Matthew 26:39

“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds, you were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Rock of Ages by Agustus Toplady performed by Guy Penrod

His Suffering – In Spirit

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – Matthew 27:46

Jesus experiences separation from the Father—the full weight of our sin. In that moment, He bears the spiritual agony of judgment.

How great the pain of searing loss!
The Father turns His face away;
As wounds which marred the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townsend

His Purpose Completed

“It is finished.” – John 19:30

With these words, Jesus declares His mission accomplished. The work of redemption is done.

It was our sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought our life:
I know that it is finished.
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townsend

His Entrustment

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” – Luke 23:46

In full trust and surrender, Jesus gives His spirit to the Father. We too, through His finished work, are safe in the Father’s hands.

“I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” – John 10:27–30

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!
“How Firm A Foundation by Robert Keen and George Keith

performed by Reawaken Hymns

Our Remembrance

We may not fully comprehend the mocking He suffered, the agony in His body, or the torment of His spirit. But we can humbly and gratefully remember Him and His request to do so.

Thank You Jesus, for the blood applied
Thank You Jesus, it has washed me white
Thank You Jesus, You have saved my life
Brought me from the darkness into glorious light
“Thank You Jesus for the Blood by Charity Gayle

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for giving your life so we can have the freedom of your light and life. Please help us to always remember and honor Your sacrifice and love for us.
In Your Precious Name, Amen.