Jesus’ Words From the Cross: Why Are They So Important?
(Bite-Sized Bible Course)
All Lessons Now Available!

Why are Jesus' words from the cross so important? I mean, it seems like there are other teachings in Scripture that are more important. Why should we concentrate on seven saying from a dying man?

We're going to answer all these questions and more in our next Bite-Sized Bible Course, Jesus' Words from the Cross.

This is a short, Bite-Sized study designed to fit into real life. In seven lessons, we’ll look at each saying in its biblical setting. This will give us a chance to think through what it shows us about Jesus and the cross and consider how it applies to our everyday walk with Him. We'll use Scripture (Lots of Scripture!) to see the importance of what Christ said.

Before we do, we just wanted to mention that there are quizzes at the end of each lesson. The tendency is to skip those. Our recommendation?

Don't.

Why? Because testing is what makes us better. The Bible teaches this very clearly about life in general (James 1:2-3). This holds true for our knowledge of God's Word as well.

And now, let's look at why this topic is so important.

Why Are Jesus' Words from the Cross Worth Our Time?

So Jesus’ words from the cross seem like a strange thing to study. Why are they important?

• We’re listening in on His final public words before He died and rose again.
• He opens a window into His heart, His mission, and what the cross really means for people like us.
• All Scripture is worthy of study (II Timothy 3:16).
• Why wouldn't we want to study all the words the Lord we love uttered since we're given so few?

This Bite-Sized Bible Course will walk through each of those sayings one at a time. This way we can see more clearly what happened at Calvary and why it still matters today.

The Importance of the Cross

The next logical question helps us answer our first question. Why study the cross at all? I mean, it's so negative. Shouldn't we focus on the positives?

The answer? The cross is the most important event in the history of the world. Doubt us? Let's consider it.

Jesus didn't end up on the cross by accident. Long before He was born in Bethlehem, God had promised a Savior who would suffer and die for the sins of His people. Even more explicitly, the Gospels show us Jesus walking straight toward that purpose (John 12:27; c.f. Luke 4:43).

At the cross, we see the horror of our sin and the weight of God’s judgment. They cost the Son of God His life. That's a pretty steep price.

But we also see the depth of God's love and the completeness of His plan to save. Jesus' words from the cross, gathered from all four Gospels, help us hear what was on His mind as He gave His life.

Lesson in This Series

Lesson 1 – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

As soldiers nail Him to the cross, Jesus’ first recorded words are a prayer for forgiveness. In this lesson, we’ll see how the cross reveals both the seriousness of our sin and the generosity of God’s mercy. This will give us a chance to think about what it means to forgive others the way we’ve been forgiven.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 2 – “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

One criminal mocks Jesus, but the other turns to Him in simple, desperate faith. How does Jesus respond? He answers with a promise of immediate, personal salvation. This lesson will walk through that conversation and show how the cross offers real assurance to anyone who comes to Christ with empty hands.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 3 – “Woman, behold your son. … Behold, your mother.” (John 19:26–27)

Even while He suffers, Jesus notices His mother and makes sure she's cared for. What does this teach us? Here we’ll see how the cross creates a new spiritual family. It reveals how Jesus cares for His people and what it means to belong to a community shaped by His love.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 4 – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

In the darkness at midday, Jesus cries out with the opening words of Psalm 22. Why? This lesson will explore what it means for Him to bear the weight of sin and judgment in our place. We'll learn how His experience of forsakenness gives believers confidence that we will never be finally abandoned by God.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 5 – “I Am Thirsty.” (John 19:28)

With just two words, Jesus shows us both His true humanity and His steady obedience to Scripture. We’ll look at the physical reality of crucifixion. We'll put it in its context through the Old Testament passages Jesus fulfills. Then we'll see how the Bible applies it by connecting His thirst to His invitation for thirsty people to come to Him and drink.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 6 – “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

This is not a cry of defeat but a shout of completion. In this lesson, we’ll unpack what Jesus has finished. We'll consider His perfect obedience, the payment for sin, the fulfillment of prophecy and how that frees us from trying to earn what He's already done.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Lesson 7 – “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Jesus’ final recorded words are an act of trust, as He willingly entrusts His spirit to the Father. Here we’ll see the voluntary nature of His death as He echoes Psalm 31. We'll consider how His surrender becomes a pattern for our own daily trust in God.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

Final Exam – “What Have We Learned at the Cross?”

After completing this course, the Final Exam will help cement the ideas in your mind and heart. It’s a simple way to make sure these words don’t just pass in front of your eyes but take root in your mind and heart.

Find the full lesson here. (It's here!)

What Meaning Do Jesus' Words from the Cross Hold for Us Today?

Before we go, let's consider one last idea.

At first glance, the cross looks like nothing but defeat and death. But as we listen to Jesus’ words from the cross, we discover that His death is the doorway to forgiveness, assurance, and new life for all who trust Him. You see, Jesus' words from the cross (or any words for that matter) mean the difference between eternal life and eternal separation from God.

You see, it was our sin that put Jesus there. Although He was surrounded by specific people at His death, we were just as guilty as those who cried, "Crucify Him!" Had we not sinned, Jesus would never have had to utter what He did from the cross: "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing."

The question is, have you listened to those words? Have you considered how they change your life (or could)? Have Jesus' words from the cross brought you forgiveness?

If you haven't put your trust in Jesus Christ alone, do that today. It's the most important decision you can make in this life.

God bless.

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