Jim Daly

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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

The Seventh Words

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit’” (Luke 23:46).

At the time of the crucifixion, it was typical for Jewish parents to teach and recite with their child a single prayer (Psalm 31:5) at bedtime. (This is much like many parents do with their children today, as in “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul to keep…”) This final statement on the cross from Jesus was that very same Psalm and prayer parents were saying with their children – with only the word “Father” added to it. 

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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

The Sixth Words

“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”(John 19:30).

Dr. Earnest Campbell, the former senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York City, once observed that “popular Christianity passes from the poinsettias of Christmas to the lilies of Easter, conveniently bypassing the thorns of Good Friday.”

Sadly, I think he is right and I understand why.

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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

THURSDAY AM: The Fourth Words

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is, being interpreted, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’” (Mark 15:34).

Jesus’ Passion on Calvary is now drawing to its sad and seemingly tragic end.  The skies have been dark, despite the fact the crucifixion occurred during the day in Jerusalem.

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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

WEDNESDAY:  The Third Words

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, ‘Woman, behold thy son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27).

We now learn that Jesus’ mother is witnessing her own son’s six-hour execution.

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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

Tuesday: The Second Words

“And Jesus said unto him, ‘I say unto thee, Today thou shalt be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:43).

A lot has been written about bad things happening to good people. But it is equally jarring for many in our world to reconcile, accept and embrace the truth of our faith that tells us in the end, good things can happen to “bad” people.

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