Last week, we examined a couple of the sayings of Jesus on the cross that He spoke to His Father. Now, we continue to look at other sayings to those around His cross.
Before His death, Jesus had something to say to His mother. “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!” (John 19:26) The relationship between Jesus and Mary, His mother, had to be a very unique one. It is believed that Joseph was dead at this time, otherwise, he could have continued to take care of her.
Even though, Jesus knew He would be raised from the dead, he also knew He couldn’t remain on the earth because He had to ascend back to heaven to offer His blood in our atonement (Hebrews 9:12, 22-23), and to sit on David’s throne and begin His Kingly rule. This would begin on the day of Pentecost. (Hebrews 8:1; Acts 2:30-33) Someone would have to do what He could not do, which was to watch after His mother.
Jesus gave this responsibility to John, the disciple whom He loved. “Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19:27) Jesus wants His disciples to take care of their widowed mothers. “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” (1 Timothy 5:4)
Luke records Jesus’ words spoken to one of the two thieves who were also crucified that day. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) At first, both thieves railed on Christ (Matthew 27:44), but one of them had a change of mind and asked Jesus to remember him when he came into the kingdom. (Luke 23:42) Such a statement required great faith to believe this possible while watching Jesus die himself. Jesus is concerned about all dying men being saved from sin, which is why He gave His life on the cross. Jesus’ death and our obedience unto His will, made known by the apostles on the day of Pentecost, makes it possible for sinners today to be saved. (Acts 2:37-38) Faithful Christians can one day hear these words of Christ, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)
Unto the crowd, standing around His cross, Jesus said, “I thirst.” (John 19:28) This shows that Jesus was human, and got thirsty like we all do. There are times when men may feel that God doesn’t understand what they go through in life, but He does, since His Son experienced the same things. (Hebrews 2:14, 18-19) No miracle Jesus ever performed was done for His personal benefit. He did not turn the stones to bread to satisfy His hunger. (Matthew 4:2-4)
After receiving the vinegar, Jesus said for all to hear, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Earlier, Jesus, when praying in the garden, said, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4) As one among the crowd of humanity, I am so grateful that Jesus finished the work His Father sent Him to do.