For at least a century, at special three-hour services on Good Friday, it has been the custom in many churches to reflect on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. In this tradition, Fleming Rutledge here presents seven eloquent meditations on these final sayings of Jesus. Rutledge links the sayings from the cross with contemporary events and concerns, but also incorporates recent biblical scholarship and modern questions about the death of Christ, particularly in light of Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ . Rutledge shows how each word or saying from the Cross affords an opportunity for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the horrific death suffered by Jesus. Intending for this book to lead readers into a genuine devotional experience, Rutledge has made every effort to evoke and preserve the contemplative atmosphere of the three-hour Good Friday memorial. The book includes frequent references to hymns associated with this special day, and each meditation ends with an appropriate hymn text for personal prayer and reflection. Richard Lischer "Fleming Rutledge brings a profound knowledge of the atoning work of Christ to bear on a series of meditations for God's people. The result is a treasury of wisdom on the cross of Christ. I will continue to read this little book." Kenneth Leech "The proclamation of the cross is central to Christian faith just as devotion to and solidarity with the cross are central to Christian spirituality. Fleming Rutledge contributes immensely to both faith and spirituality in this profound and moving book. I hope that it will help many to deepen their commitment as companions of Christ crucified." Publishers Weekly "Rutledge explores faith and suffering, interspersing timeless questions with contemporary issues. . . Her enthralling forays into the meanings of words both ordinary and theological is a boon to anyone who, like her, finds layers of hidden meaning in etymology. She is also a careful interpreter of scripture who is keen to place the New Testament in its historical context and alive to details others might miss." For at least a century, at special three-hour services on Good Friday, it has been the custom in many churches to reflect on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. In this tradition, Fleming Rutledge here presents seven eloquent meditations on these final sayings of Jesus. Rutledge links the sayings from the cross with contemporary events and concerns, but also incorporates recent biblical scholarship and modern questions about the death of Christ, particularly in light of Mel Gibsonbs film "The Passion of the Christ." Rutledge shows how each word or saying from the Cross affords an opportunity for readers to gain a deeper understanding of the horrific death suffered by Jesus. Intending for this book to lead readers into a genuine devotional experience, Rutledge has made every effort to evoke and preserve the contemplative atmosphere of the three-hour Good Friday memorial. The book includes frequent references to hymns associated with this special day, and each meditation ends with an appropriate hymn text for personal prayer and reflection.   Fleming Rutledge  is an Episcopal priest, a best-selling author, and a widely recognized preacher whose published sermon collections have received acclaim across denominational lines. Her other books include  Help My Unbelief, Three Hours: Sermons for Good Friday, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ , and  The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ , which won  Christianity Today's  2017 Book of the Year Award. The Seven Last Words from the Cross By FLEMING RUTLEDGE William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Copyright © 2005 Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. All right reserved. ISBN: 0-8028-2786-1 Contents AUTHOR'S NOTE............................................................................................ixFIRST MEDITATION "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do".................................1SECOND MEDITATION "Verily I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in Paradise".....................13THIRD MEDITATION "Woman, behold thy son! ... Behold thy mother!"........................................25FOURTH MEDITATION "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"..........................................35FIFTH MEDITATION "I thirst".............................................................................49SIXTH MEDITATION "It is finished".......................................................................59SEVENTH MEDITATION "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit".........................................71FIRST MEDITATION "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do".................................71 Chapter One FIRST MEDITATION "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the