Jesus' Crucifixion Quote: "It is Finished"

Jesus' command, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," could very much be considered a quote about Jesus dying on the cross. This moment, as chronicled in the Bible, marked the culmination of his earthly journey and His sacrificial atonement for humanity. It is a poignant revelation about His character, faith, and love.

While there isn't a direct quote like "Jesus died on the cross," which phrases the event as a fact, the conversations, prayers, and actions surrounding Jesus' crucifixion hold profound significance. Let's delve deeper into the scriptures to explore these moments that reflect Jesus' acceptance of His fate and His ultimate sacrifice.

Understanding Jesus' Quotes Before His Crucifixion

In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus predicted His death multiple times. These prophecies, shared with His disciples and found in the Gospels, reveal His foreknowledge and acceptance of the path ahead.

In Matthew 20:18-19, Jesus says, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Here, Jesus clearly foretells His imminent death on the cross, His resurrection following it.

Jesus' Farewell Discourse

The Last Supper, recorded in all four Gospels, was Jesus' final opportunity to teach and prepare His disciples. During this time, He shared many profound teachings and predictions about His departure and their future.

In John 14:2-3, Jesus assures His disciples, "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." This passage speaks volumes about Jesus'-scarcity of mind and purpose even as He faced His crucifixion.

Jesus in Gethsemane

On the night of His arrest, Jesus prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane. His agony and humanity are evident in the words, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This quote reveals Jesus' willingness to submit to God's plan, even in the face of great suffering.

Despite His distress, Jesus does not resist His arrest. Instead, He submits to the guards, saying, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled" (Matthew 26:55-56). This acceptance of His fate demonstrates Jesus' understanding that His death served a divine purpose.

The Crucifixion and Jesus' Final Words

The crucifixion itself is a powerful testament to Jesus' sacrifice. Hanging on the cross, He endures immense physical and emotional pain. Yet, His final words, far from being filled with despair, display His deep love and care for others.

Before giving up His spirit, Jesus speaks four times from the cross. These words, often referred to as the "Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross," provide profound insights into His character and purpose.

Father, Forgive Them...

Luke 23:34 contains the first of Jesus' specific quotes during His crucifixion: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Despite His agony, Jesus petitions God to forgive His tormentors.

This forgiveness stands as a beacon of mercy and grace. It teaches that no one is beyond redemption, and it urges us to extend forgiveness as well, without counting the cost or trying to tally up wrongs done to us.

The King of the Jews

While crucified, Jesus is mocked by the soldiers and the rulers. They Tade a garland of thorns and placed it on his head, and put a purple robe on him. Then they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" (Luke 23:36-38). In response, Jesus says, "I am."

This simple "I am" statement, echoing His declaration in John 8:58 ("I am," he said, "the one speaking to you"), underscores Jesus' status as the King of kings and the truth He embodies.

Reflecting on these quotes and moments, we're led to contemplate Jesus' acceptance of His fate, His profound love and forgiveness, and His humility in the face of immense suffering. This ultimately led to His triumphant resurrection, offering salvation to all who believe.

The impact of Jesus' death on the cross resonates far beyond religion. It inspires us to love unconditionally, forgive freely, and endure hardships with steadfast hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can choose love, faith, and grace.