Jesus gave seven statements from the cross. As we near Easter, we need to reflect on what our Lord did for us on that day. He took all of the sin of the world on His shoulders. He was sinless, yet because He loved us He died for us. At the time that all the sin was placed upon Him, He was forsaken by His Father. Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” He was forsaken because God cannot abide sin. God turned His face away from Jesus. He did it so that we may be forgiven.

As He hung on the cross, Jesus made these statements:

• Statement 1: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (see Luke 23:34).
• Statement 2: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (see Luke 23:39-43).
• Statement 3: “He said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother'” (see John 19:26-27).
• Statement 4: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (see Matthew 27:45-50).
• Statement 5: “I thirst” (see John 19:28-29).
• Statement 6: “It is finished” (see John 19:28-30).
• Statement 7: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (see Luke 23:44-49).