Some Thoughts About Jesus' Last Moments On The Cross

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. [John 19.28-30]

It is interesting that John did not record the last moments of Jesus on the cross as did Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The three all felt it important to record the phenomenon of the three hours of darkness and then the veil in the Temple being torn. But John did not.

John alone records Jesus' last words as, "It is finished!"

We know that John was apparently right there in Jesus' final moments on the cross as he was commissioned by Jesus to care for Jesus' mother. Does that mean John's account is more accurate? One would think so.

I always feel sadness when I read about these last moments of Jesus on the cross. While the event itself is sad enough, it is compounded in my mind because of the discrepancies between the Gospel writers' stories. Sad as it may be however, it remains a miracle that the four Gospels record anything even remotely the same! Humans all see and hear events differently. And then, this is further compounded with stories being passed from human to human.

So, it seems prudent to me to read all four accounts of Jesus' crucifixion with an objective mind. It seems wise to consider that Jesus would have said or done nothing on he cross inconsistent with His life beforehand. It seems right to attempt to discern how all four accounts of Jesus' crucifixion blend together to give an accurate idea of what actually took place.

One thing they all unmistakably agree on: Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the dead. And, this transaction accomplished salvation for all who will believe.

Father, thank You for the Bible. It always amazes me how, through all the years accounted for in its pages, the story line remains consistent: that You love the world You created and that Your desire is for all mankind to fellowship with You through the means You have provided to that end - Jesus.