http://www.markdroberts.com/htmfiles/resources/sevenlastwords.htm#mar1808
There were three crosses on Golgotha. On the right and on the left were two robbers crucified for rebellion and murder. On one cross Jesus died for our sin; on another cross the unrepentant thief died in sin, and on the third cross a repentant thief died to sin. On the center cross (with its mocking title of scorn, Jesus the Nazarene king of the Jews, in three languages) hung a sinless Sufferer! He was dying for the sins of the world. Jesus spoke seven times during the closing moments of his earthly life, as he died on the Cross.
It has been an age old practice in the Church to reflect on these last words of Jesus from the cross as an integral part of Good Friday observance so that we may repent on our sins and resolve to renew our lives and thus participate fully in the joy of Jesus' resurrection.
The First Word: "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) The Second Word: "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) The Third Word: “Dear woman, here is your son.” (John 19:26) The Fourth Word: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34) The Fifth Word: “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) The Sixth Word: “It is finished!” (John 19:30) The Seventh Word: “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 24:46)
For outdoor stations of the cross: please visit
http://www.waymarking.com
