Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross:
A Devotional Bible Study and Meditation on the Passion of Christ
for Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday Services
By
all accounts Jesus didn't do a lot of talking on the cross. He was silent during
the hours he hung there, except for a very few words. But these Seven Last Words
provide a window into Jesus' soul, a way to understand what is ultimately
important to this One who is dying on the cross.
These Words reveal his incredible love, his determination, his humanness
as well as his divinity, his intimate relationship with his Father, and finally
his trust.
One way to meditate on these Seven Last Words personally might be one each day in a single
week. especially during Holy Week. You may want
to use this book as the basis for a Good Friday or Maundy Thursday service.
The book is illustrated with remarkable watercolors by James
Jacques Tissot (1836-1902).
The book includes a brief exposition and reflection on each of the
Seven Last Words, plus questions for personal meditation as well as for group
discussion. In addition, you'll find in the appendix a two-page synopsis of the
discussion questions for a group handout and a list of possible songs and
choruses that might be appropriate for a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service.
Table of Contents
Preface
References and Abbreviations
Table of Contents
Reprint Guidelines
1. Father, Forgive Them (Luke 23:34)
2. This Day You Will Be with Me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)
3. Woman, Behold Your Son (John 19:26-27)
4. My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Mark 15:34)
5. I Thirst (John 19:28)
6. It Is Finished (John 19:30)
7. Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit (Luke 23:46)
Appendix 1. Questions for Group Discussion
Appendix 2. Hymns and Songs Appropriate for Good Friday or Maundy
Thursday Services
"My task was to speak on the Second Word for our Good Friday service. It was
a tremendous help." - Ministerial student
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picky he is!" - Bob Covey
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are among the best that I have seen." - Rev. Abraham J. Kudra
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day, this is important." - Lawrence S. Manzer
"The perfect Lenten/Holy Week study -- just
what I was looking for at the Christian bookstore six weeks
ago!" - Kris Jackson
"Detailed, precise and to the point."
- Dr. L.B. Mtimkhulu
"Very helpful in my preparation for the Holy Week services." - Rev. Myron H. Ducharme
You may print out as many copies of the
Participant Guide at no charge for non-Internet distribution to
your group or congregation.
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