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

The first word that Jesus spoke on the cross was “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This statement reflects the incredible love and grace of God, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. 

Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, knew that the people who were crucifying Him were ignorant of the true gravity of their actions. He forgave them anyway, modeling the kind of radical love and forgiveness that is at the heart of disciple making movements. 

When we follow Jesus’ example and extend grace to those who wrong us, we create a culture of love and forgiveness that draws others to Christ.

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

The second word that Jesus spoke was “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This statement was spoken to the criminal who was crucified next to Jesus, who had repented of his sins and asked to be remembered in Jesus’ kingdom. 

This statement demonstrates the incredible power of redemption and the transformative nature of a personal relationship with Christ. When we share the good news of the gospel with others and invite them into a relationship with Jesus, we are giving them the opportunity to experience the same kind of transformation that the criminal on the cross did.

“Woman, behold your son” (John 19:26).

The third word that Jesus spoke was “Woman, behold your son” (John 19:26). This statement was spoken to Mary, Jesus’ mother, as He hung on the cross. 

By asking John to care for Mary after His death, Jesus demonstrated the importance of community and relationships in the life of a believer. 

In a similar way, disciple making movements prioritize relationships and community, recognizing that our faith is meant to be lived out in the context of community.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

The fourth word that Jesus spoke was “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This statement reflects the incredible agony that Jesus was experiencing as He hung on the cross. 

It also demonstrates His humanity, as He cried out to God in despair. 

As disciple makers, we are called to be vulnerable and authentic with those around us, sharing our struggles and pain as well as our joys and victories. When we are open and honest about our own struggles, we create a safe space for others to do the same, building deeper relationships and creating a culture of authenticity.

“I thirst” (John 19:28).

The fifth word that Jesus spoke was “I thirst” (John 19:28). This statement reflects the physical suffering that Jesus was experiencing on the cross. 

It also demonstrates His identification with the suffering of humanity. As disciple makers, we are called to be compassionate and empathetic towards those who are suffering, sharing in their pain and offering support and comfort.

“It is finished” (John 19:30).

The sixth word that Jesus spoke was “It is finished” (John 19:30). This statement represents the completion of the work that Jesus came to earth to accomplish – the redemption of humanity through His death and resurrection. 

As disciple makers, we are called to follow Jesus’ example and work tirelessly to bring the message of the gospel to the ends of the earth, trusting that God will bring about the completion of His work in His time.

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

The seventh and final word that Jesus spoke on the cross was “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). This statement represents Jesus’ complete surrender to the will of God. 

As disciple makers, we are called to have the same kind of surrender and trust in God’s plan, recognizing that our role is to be faithful in sharing the good news of the gospel and leaving the results up to Him. 

When we surrender ourselves to God’s will, we are able to experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing that He is in control.

The Model of Jesus in These Words

When we consider each of these seven words of Jesus on the cross, we see a powerful example of what it means to live a life of faith and obedience. 

We see a model of sacrificial love, radical forgiveness, transformative redemption, authentic community, compassionate empathy, tireless work, and complete surrender.

Being a Disciple Like Jesus

These same principles are at the heart of disciple making movements. In a world that is broken and hurting, disciple making movements offer a powerful way to share the good news of the gospel and make a lasting impact on the world. By prioritizing relationships, authenticity, compassion, and surrender to God’s will, we can create a culture of disciple making that transforms lives and communities.

In disciple making movements, we follow Jesus’ example of loving and forgiving others, even in the face of incredible suffering. 

We invite others into a personal relationship with Christ, recognizing that true transformation can only come through Him. We build authentic community, sharing our struggles and pain as well as our joys and victories. We show compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering, recognizing that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. 

We also work tirelessly to bring the message of the gospel to the ends of the earth, trusting that God will bring about the completion of His work in His time. 

And we surrender ourselves to God’s will, recognizing that He is in control and we are simply called to be faithful in sharing His truth with others.

Disciple Makers That Embrace the Cross

As disciple makers, we are called to be a light in the darkness, offering hope and healing to those who are hurting. We are called to share the good news of the gospel with others, inviting them into a personal relationship with Christ and helping them to grow in their faith. 

We are called to make disciples of all nations, trusting that God will use our efforts to transform the world for His glory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the seven words of Jesus on the cross offer a powerful example of what it means to live a life of faith and obedience. 

These same principles are at the heart of disciple making movements, which offer a powerful way to share the good news of the gospel and make a lasting impact on the world. May we all be inspired to follow Jesus’ example and become disciple makers, spreading His love and truth to the ends of the earth.