Jesus’ Seven Sayings and Balance

The Gospel writers record for us seven different – and breathtaking – sayings from Jesus between the time He was hoisted on the cross and when He breathed His last.

Seven is a perfect number. Seven implies “wholeness” in biblical thought. You can make a pretty good case that if all you had to go on were Jesus’ last words, you would have a whole picture of what He came to do and accomplish.

As I have studied and read and pondered these sayings over the past seven weeks, I have noticed something. No, I don’t believe what I am about to say is what the biblical authors originally intended. But hang with me.

The people Jesus addressed while on the cross can help us evaluate and bring healthy balance to our lives.

Here’s what I mean. Think about it. . .

Three times on the cross Jesus addresses God:

“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34)

“Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Once He addresses a lost man:

“Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Once He addresses His family (mom):

“Behold, your son!” (John 19:26-27)

Once He addresses His friend (John, or the church):

“Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

And twice He addresses anyone who is listening:

“I thirst!” (John 19:28)

“It is finished!” (John 19:30)

Isn’t that fascinating? He talks to His Father (3x). He talks to his family (1x). He addresses the church (1x). He engages a lost man (1x). And He speaks to anyone who would hear (2x).

I love that. I think it could be used to evaluate my own life and how I spend my time. How I manage and direct my conversations.

Using this model, if you will, we could ask the following questions:

How often am I spending time with the Father? Does it pale in comparison to all other conversations?

Am I making sure my family is taken care of? Am I talking to them? Do I listen for their needs and seek to meet them?

Do I regularly make an effort to ensure the church is taking care of each other and living on mission? Do I surround myself with other followers?

Am I engaging in Gospel conversations with those who are seeking forgiveness and grace? Am I sensitive to those who are open to knowing Him? Am I available to speak with them, regardless of my circumstances? (I mean, if Jesus can offer a guy paradise while on the cross . . .)

Do I pay attention to how I live and speak so others who may be watching and listening might know that there is life in Jesus?

If you read Luke’s account of what happened the moment Jesus died, you notice someone was listening. A hard, brute, cold-hearted centurion. You know what he said after Jesus gave up His Spirit?

“Surely this was the Son of God!” (Luke 23:47) I’d say Jesus was successful. . . at everything.

Jesus lived with no regrets. Jesus died with no regrets. I know this thought (probably) was not on the forefront of the biblical authors when they jotted down what Jesus spoke from the cross. But his dying conversations are a good gauge for us, aren’t they?

Evaluate your own life and conversations. Using these kinds of people as an example, how balanced are you when it comes to being like Jesus in how/who He spoke?