We call the day that Jesus was crucified Good Friday. But what did happen on that day that we should deem it “good”? Let us re-visit that day to recall the series of seven sayings that Jesus spoke on the cross to understand why. These sayings are sometimes referred to as the Seven Last Words.

Of these seven sayings, the first three describe Christ’s conclusion of His dealings with us – each statement can be summed up with a key word.

Forgiveness: But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Redemption: And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Compassion: When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. (John 19:26-27)

Having completed His earthly tasks, the Savior now turns His attention heavenward and to the ultimate task at hand. His final four statements engage His Father in the redemptive act that is occurring on the cross of Calvary. They express the spiritual aspects of Christ’s work as He progresses through these stages.

Abandonment: About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Readiness: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

Fulfillment: Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)

Release: And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)

When Jesus Christ died on the cross and then was resurrected, the power of evil, the power of darkness and sin, was broken once and forever and no longer holds us in its grip. And He has made for us a new and living way to God, making us children of God with an eternal and unchanging identity, a day that is truly wonderful for us.