Though enduring unspeakable pain, Jesus did speak. From the cross he offered words of mercy for ignorant sinners (Luke 23:34), words of destiny to a dying criminal (Luke 23:43), and words of sympathy to his grieving mother (John 19:26–27). Following closely behind, came words of misery (Matt. 27:46), an agony so profound that its darkness defies human understanding. Then, with words of frailty (John 19:28), Christ’s vicarious suffering reached its pinnacle.

This scene, as brutal as it is familiar, offends even those who have been cleansed by his blood and freed by his sacrifice. We may be tempted to rush ahead to the words of certainty (John 19:30) and words of victory (Luke 24:6) that follow but before we do, it’s wise to pause and, with the Spirit’s guidance, reflect on the intimate and trusting words of tranquility the Son declares to his Father.