Discover Life’s Purpose in Jesus’ 7 Last Words - Luke 23

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: God’s Design and Direction for Your Life

Today, my message is entitled “Discovering Life’s Purpose in Jesus’ 7 Last Words.” Let’s start off today by talking about God’s purpose for your life. God has plans and a purpose for your life, and that is why He created you. You were not created to meander through life doing whatever you felt like.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You were created to accomplish God’s unique purpose for your life, and as you follow God’s plan for your life, you will fulfill your purpose. People can come up with many plans and ideas for their lives, but God’s purpose and plans are the roadmap you must follow. When we follow our own plans instead of God’s, it leads us away from His purpose and into sin.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

Yet, God is always there when we repent, ready to guide us back onto His path of purpose. God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, and He also speaks directly to us through His Spirit who guides us. The words that God speaks are words of truth and power, and they illuminate the path we are to walk.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Today, we’re going to look at Jesus’ seven last words spoken while He was being crucified. These words teach us a great deal about our life’s purpose and what truly matters in life. Each word reveals a purpose-driven truth that shapes how we are to live.

The Importance of Radical Forgiveness

Luke 23:33–34 (ESV) And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers who were carrying out the wishes of the Jewish leaders, even though He was completely innocent. He had never sinned or hurt anyone, and His life was marked by teaching love for God and love for others. Yet He was being put to death through the horror of crucifixion.

On the cross, Jesus’ first words were a prayer asking the Father to forgive those who were killing Him. They did not understand that they were crucifying the very Son of God. Even in unbearable suffering, Jesus chose forgiveness and prayed for His enemies.

Receiving and Extending Forgiveness Freely

From this first word, we learn that no matter how great your sin, forgiveness is possible through repentance and faith in Jesus. Forgiveness is not automatic, but it is freely given to those who turn to Christ. God’s purpose for your life includes receiving His radical forgiveness.

We also learn that we must forgive those who hurt us, just as Jesus forgave. The phrase, “I can’t forgive,” should never take root in our hearts. God’s purpose for your life is to receive forgiveness from Him and extend that same forgiveness to others.

Receiving Jesus’ Assurance of Eternal Life

Luke 23:39–40 (ESV) One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

The two criminals hanging beside Jesus represent two responses to Him. One mocked Jesus in unbelief even as he faced death. The other recognized his own guilt and responded with reverence and humility.

Luke 23:41–43 (ESV) And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

This second criminal understood that Jesus was innocent and that he himself was a sinner. He believed that Jesus was a King with a coming kingdom and that there was life after death. Jesus assured him that very day he would be with Him in Paradise.

Choosing Faith That Leads to Eternal Life

These two criminals represent the two types of people in the world. All people are sinners, but only some choose to believe in Jesus. God’s purpose for your life is to believe in Christ and help others make that same life-giving decision.

God’s purpose for your eternity is to spend it with Jesus in paradise. Eternal life begins the moment we place our faith in Him. This assurance shapes how we live and how we point others toward salvation.

Learning to Love and Care for People

John 19:26–27 (ESV) When Jesus 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!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Here we see Jesus in extreme physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Yet even while dying, His concern was not for Himself but for His mother. He ensured that Mary would be cared for by entrusting her to the apostle John.

Jesus demonstrates the importance of honoring and caring for people, especially our families, even during personal trials. Love for others remains a priority regardless of our circumstances. His example teaches us to look beyond our own pain.

Practicing Love in Everyday Relationships

Often, we become so consumed with our own problems that we fail to show love and concern for those around us. Jesus reminds us that love must be intentional, especially toward those closest to us. God’s purpose for our lives includes learning to love deeply and consistently.

Nothing we experience compares to what Jesus endured, yet He still loved. God’s purpose for your life is to reflect that same love in your relationships. Through love, we display Christ to the world.

Understanding How Sin Separates Us from God

Matthew 27:46 (ESV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus had enjoyed eternal fellowship with the Father and the Spirit. Throughout His earthly ministry, He remained in constant communion with God. Yet on the cross, that fellowship was momentarily broken.

The sins of the world were placed upon Jesus, and He became sin on our behalf. The holy Father turned away as Jesus bore the punishment we deserved. This moment reveals the devastating impact of sin and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.

Living in Holiness Through Repentance

Jesus willingly endured separation from God because of His love for us. Because of His sacrifice, our purpose is to live holy lives and remain in close fellowship with God. When we sin, repentance restores that fellowship.

If sin is left unrepented, it separates us from God. God’s purpose for your life is to walk in holiness and intimacy with Him. Jesus made this restored relationship possible through His suffering.

Recognizing That Suffering Is Part of God’s Plan

John 19:28 (ESV) After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

Jesus was fully God and fully man, and as a man He experienced real physical suffering. His thirst reflects the humanity of Christ and the fulfillment of prophecy. Every detail of the crucifixion unfolded according to God’s plan.

Jesus knew His mission was nearing completion. He understood that fulfilling His purpose required suffering. His obedience came at great personal cost.

Persevering Through Hardship With Faith

Fulfilling your life’s purpose will also involve suffering. This suffering may be physical, emotional, or spiritual in nature. Scripture teaches us that perseverance through suffering refines our faith.

Rather than complaining, we are called to seek God’s strength to endure. Understanding the role of suffering helps us remain faithful. God uses hardship to shape us as we fulfill His purpose.

Trusting in the Completed Work of Christ

John 19:30 (ESV) When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,”

With these words, Jesus declared that His life’s mission was complete. He had fulfilled His purpose by becoming the sacrifice for sin. Through His death, forgiveness and salvation were made available to all who believe.

Jesus finished the race set before Him by the Father. His obedience secured eternal life for humanity. Nothing more needed to be added to His work.

Finishing the Race God Has Set Before You

Our goal in life is also to fulfill God’s purpose faithfully. The apostle Paul echoed this truth as he neared the end of his life. Finishing well requires endurance and trust in God.

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Jesus is our example and our strength. With His help, you can complete God’s purpose for your life. As He brought salvation to the world, we are called to share that salvation with others.

Learning to Surrender Fully to God

Luke 23:45–46 (ESV) The sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

Jesus’ final words were a declaration of complete trust in the Father. His spirit left His body and entered God’s presence. He had surrendered fully to God throughout His life and even in death.

Jesus knew that death was not the end but the beginning of something new. He trusted the Father with what was to come. His resurrection would soon reveal God’s ultimate victory.

Entrusting Your Life Completely to God

Believing in Jesus means surrendering your life into God’s hands. No matter what you face, Jesus walks with you through suffering and uncertainty. Trusting Him brings strength and hope.

As you surrender your life to God, He empowers you to fulfill His mission. Just as Jesus was raised to new life, we too will experience resurrection and eternal life. God’s purpose carries us beyond this life into His presence.

Conclusion: Living Out God’s Purpose Through Christ

Today, we have reflected on the seven last words of Jesus. Each word carries profound meaning and direction for our lives. Together, they reveal God’s purpose shaped by forgiveness, faith, love, holiness, perseverance, salvation, and surrender.

These words guide us to live with compassion, obedience, and trust in God even through suffering. Jesus’ example calls us to live purposefully and faithfully. May each of us discover God’s purpose for our lives and fulfill it completely.

📘 Continue the Journey

Reflect deeper and apply this week’s message with the Message Study Guide — perfect for personal devotions, family discussion, or your Life Group.

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