JesusWalk® Publications

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 Dr. Ralph F. Wilson


7 Last Words of Christ from the Cross, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Book front cover | back cover
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
  • "My pastor stopped his Bible study and did your series. You have no idea how picky he is!" - Bob Covey
  • "I am almost 81 years of age and spent 58 years in the ministry. Your studies are among the best that I have seen." - Rev. Abraham J. Kudra
  • "Well researched, biblically and theologically sound -- and for me, in this 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.


  7 Last Words of Christ from the Cross, paperback editionPaperback format, list $9.95. The paperback version is available only from online sellers or can be ordered from your local bookstore. Order one for each person in your class -- or a copy to help you with sermon preparation. The paperback version has 107 pages and is 5" x 8". ISBN 0981972128 (978-0-9819721-2-1). Order directly from ...
  Kindle e-book formatKindle E-book format, $8.49. You may purchase this version directly from Amazon using one of the links above. This is read using a your Kindle or a Kindle Reader program installed on your computer. It cannot be printed out.
PDF E-book formatPDF E-book format, $8.49 (59 pages, not printed, but a computer download). You purchase the e-book and can download it within minutes. You can read it on your computer in PDF format if you like, or print out a single copy on your printer, either 8-1/2 x 11" or A4 paper. No tax is charged on e-books.
Reprint license to copy your own booksReprint License for Seven Last Words, $1.50 per copy made. Once you've ordered this item, set quantity field for the number of reprints you plan to make and click on "recalculate." One license is required for each additional copy you make beyond the initial book you purchased. This reprint license prohibits sale of the book to individuals outside your local area or congregation.
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Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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