Seven Last Words: Siete Ultimas Palabras

Holy Week Reflections: The Seven Last Words: 2010

Note:
In many churches in the Philippines, a number of hours on Good Friday is allotted for the explanation of the Seven Last Words (Siete Ultimas Palabras) of the Lord Jesus from the time He was crucified to the time He died at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Somebody once asked why we refer to the seven group of words of the Lord from the cross as WORD when in fact He spoke words not one word. It is good question and a practical one.
There is a good reason for referring to these words as WORD. In English, WORD can refer to a combined group of alphabetical letters to form a sound and a definite meaning. More and more, we use WORD to refer to something that consists of more than one word. For example, the preacher on a Sunday gives THE WORD which is the sermon or message lasting from 20 to forty minutes. Sometimes, a conversation is spoken of as a WORD as in: May I have a word with you? Sometimes, we speak of making a favorable endorsement for someone (which cannot be done in one word) by saying: I’ll put in a good word for you. The Seven last words from the cross are the words of the Lord Jesus compiled and arranged by scholars in such a way that the Bible reader gets a clearer picture of the Lord’s message from the cross. Let’s divide the seven last words into the seven days of this week. Let’s learn and worship Him who died for us.

Monday : THE FIRST: But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." In a most difficult situation, your choice of who to speak to first will make a big difference in handling your difficulties and pains.
Luke 23:32-38: 32 And two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. 33 And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." 36 And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" 38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." NASB
It must have been a tremendously difficult day. The battering of the emotions was increasing in its intensity minute by minute, then hour by hour. The environment was hardly encouraging. Jesus was crucified with two criminals; one on his left and the other on his right. Mark’s Gospel describes both as WRONGDOERS but Matthew’s Gospel uses a stronger word which tells us that the criminals were armed robbers, violent men who preyed on the travelers. The soldiers were casting lots to determine who should get the Lord’s garment. The religious leaders were sneering at Him. The soldiers were also mocking him. The criminals also heaped insults on Him according to Matthew.
What do you in such a situation? Choose the person you would and should speak to first. Would it be soldiers? The criminals? The leaders? The curios onlookers (usisero)? Here is wisdom: The Lord spoke FIRST TO THE FATHER. He spoke to the one who really understands, who really cares. That is wisdom of the highest degree. It affirms His relationship with Father; it acknowledges that the Father is forgiving; it even affirms the miserable condition of those who were taunting Him. He asked the Father to forgive them. Lesson: Next time you become surrounded by what seems like a pack of wild dogs giving you pain and attempting to make you crumble emotionally, remember the principle: Choose the person you should speak to first. It always helps and is safer for you. Huwag basta makipagusap kahit kanino. Mamili ng unang kakausapin.