Learning from the Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross
When we study the life of Jesus, we learn how to live. But when we study the death of Jesus, we learn something equally important: how to die in faith. Pastor Ron Stelzer’s Good Friday message walks us through the final words Jesus spoke from the cross — words filled with forgiveness, mercy, love, suffering, victory, and trust. These seven sayings are not random; they are a roadmap for every believer preparing for life’s final chapter.
Below is a deep, Scripture‑rooted look at each word Christ spoke, and what it teaches us about facing death with confidence, peace, and faith.
1. “Father, forgive them…” — How to Die with a heart free of bitterness
Jesus’ first word from the cross is a word of forgiveness. As Pastor Stelzer said, “Make sure that you have left no one unforgiven.”
Forgiveness is not optional for the Christian life — or the Christian death.
Why?
- You cannot pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” while holding grudges.
- You do not know when your final hour will come.
- Bitterness poisons the soul; forgiveness frees it.
Jesus teaches us to die with a heart at peace — a heart that has released every offense into the hands of God.
“How to Die in Faith” By Pastor Ron Stelzer
2. “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” — How to Die calling on Jesus for mercy
The thief on the cross had nothing to offer Jesus. His life was a wreck. His crimes deserved punishment. Yet he prayed the simplest, most powerful prayer:
“Jesus, remember me.”
Pastor Stelzer reminds us:
- The thief confessed Jesus as the conqueror of death.
- He recognized Jesus as the sinless Son of God.
- He asked for mercy, not reward.
And Jesus answered with a promise: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
When your final hour comes, don’t ignore Jesus, don’t make excuses, and don’t boast of your goodness. Simply pray:
“Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
It worked for the thief. It works for all who call on Christ.
3. “Woman, behold your son… behold your mother.” — How to Die caring for others
Even in agony, Jesus was thinking of others — His mother, His disciple, His friends.
Pastor Stelzer notes that Jesus cared for:
- Their earthly needs
- Their emotional needs
- Their eternal needs
A Christian death is not self‑absorbed. It is marked by love, responsibility, and care.
May we die knowing we have done all we could to bring others to heaven and provide for their well‑being on earth.
4. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — How to Die knowing Jesus understands your suffering
These are the most haunting words Jesus ever spoke.
He entered the deepest darkness — separation from the Father — so that you never would.
Pastor Stelzer explains:
- Your final days may be painful or confusing.
- You may cry out, “God, why?”
- Jesus has already walked that road — for your sake.
You are never alone in suffering. Christ has been there, and He stands with you in every shadow.
5. “I thirst.” — How to Die acknowledging your human need
This short phrase reminds us that Jesus was fully human.
He suffered real pain, real thirst, real weakness.
Pastor Stelzer suggests two lessons:
- It is okay to accept help and comfort in your final hours.
- Jesus may have been gathering strength for His final declaration of victory.
Either way, this word shows us that dying in faith does not mean pretending we are strong. It means trusting the One who is.
6. “It is finished.” — How to Die knowing your salvation is complete
This is not a cry of defeat — it is a shout of triumph.
Jesus had:
- Completed His mission
- Paid for every sin
- Fulfilled every prophecy
- Opened heaven for all believers
Pastor Stelzer challenges us to live so faithfully that when our time comes, we too may say:
“It is finished” — with no regrets, nothing left undone, and a life lived for God’s purpose.
7. “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” — How to Die trusting your Father’s embrace
Jesus’ final word is a word of trust.
He dies with confidence, knowing the Father’s arms are open.
Pastor Stelzer beautifully says that we too can die knowing:
- We have a loving Father
- He is ready to receive us
- Heaven is our true home
- Christ has made the way possible
A Christian death is not a leap into darkness — it is a homecoming.
Conclusion: Jesus Teaches Us Not Just How to Live — But How to Die
The last words of Jesus are not merely historical quotes. They are a spiritual guide for every believer. They teach us to die:
- Forgiving
- Trusting
- Loving
- Repentant
- Hopeful
- Purposeful
- Confident in God’s promises
Because Jesus died this way — and rose again — we can face our final hour with peace, courage, and joy.
