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The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross

 

As Jesus Christ hung on the cross in agonizing pain, he made seven final statements before he died.  In this special Easter video, John Hilton III shares what lessons Jesus teaches us during his crucifixion about forgiveness, comfort, honor, suffering, agency and more. Adapted from his book Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ, Hilton explores how on the cross we see a healing, human, and divine Savior. This Easter season as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, we can find hope in the saving grace that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

 

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John Hilton III

John Hilton III has made a special video series for Easter 2021

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The Events of Holy Week

Messages of Christ has a special playlist devoted to the events of Holy Week.

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Church of Jesus Christ Easter

Watch inspiring videos on Easter from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Holy Week Reading Plan

This reading plan will take you through the most significant events of the last week and help you better appreciate this monumental week’s history. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.

Holy Week is the most significant period of time in all of history. During this single week, all of mankind was freed from the cold chains of death and enabled to overcome all things, including sin. We learn more of the Savior’s true attributes observing this week than any other period of his life. Though he was born of miraculous circumstances and healed the sick and raised the dead, no other event in his life stands in comparison to the atoning sacrifice he performed during this truly holy week.

Special thanks to Heather Pack who helped write this Reading Plan and many of the scripts for this video series.

Saturday - Passover and Holy Week

  • Introduction: Passover was the first of three major Jewish Feasts that was celebrated each year. It was a time to remember freedom, and to commemorate Israel’s deliverance from bondage. It is not by accident that Jesus chose to suffer, die, and be resurrected during this important time of year.
    As you watch today’s video, try to think why the Savior would use this time of year for the most important events in all of history. For the reading you will first study Passover as described in Exodus 12. You will then read several other verses throughout the scriptures that reference or foreshadow Jesus as the Lamb of God.
  • Video: Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb
  • Questions to Ponder:
    • Why do you think Jesus chose to perform his most important work of his atonement, death, and resurrection during the same week of Passover?
    • Think of the Passover symbols of the blood of the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. What might these symbols mean for us today as we partake of the Sacrament? What aspects of the atonement can they remind us of?
    • The title of “Lamb of God” is used 35 times in the Book of Mormon. Why do you think the Nephite prophets would have used this term so many times? What might they be trying to convey by using this title?
  • Scripture: Exodus 12:1–14
  • Scripture: John 1:29; John 1:36
  • Scripture: 1 Nephi 11:21–24; Alma 7:14

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Sunday - Trumphal Entry

  • Introduction: Five days before Passover, Jesus Christ was welcomed by the Jews as he entered Jerusalem on what is now known as Palm Sunday. His entrance is known as the Triumphal Entry. As you watch the video, try and put yourself in the place of those early disciples as they welcomed in the Savior of the world.
  • Video: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ
  • Questions to Ponder
    • As you read the following scriptures, notice how Jesus Christ was welcomed by the people of Jerusalem.
    • What type of Messiah do you think that the Jews were looking for? How did their expectations differ from the type of Messiah Jesus actually was?
  • Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11; Zechariah 9:9; Psalms 149:2
  • Scripture: John 12:12–19
  • Discussion Questions
    • What can we learn from the story of the people's acceptance of Christ yet only a few days later rejecting him and calling for his crucifixion?
    • How can we accept into our homes the Lamb of God as our Savior on a daily basis?

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Monday - Cleansing of the Temple

  • Introduction: While the Jews were cleansing their homes in preparation for Passover, Jesus cleansed the temple, His Father’s house. As you watch the video, consider what Jesus might be teaching us as both the Jews’ homes and the House of the Lord were both cleansed in preparation for the Passover.
    The reading will cover both the story of the cleansing of the Temple and the command of the Lord in Exodus to cleanse the home of leaven during Passover.
  • Video: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
  • Questions to Ponder
    • Why are the Jews commanded to remove all leaven from their homes in preparation for Passover?
    • How might this relate to our own preparation for partaking of the Sacrament (the commemorative meal we share today instead of Passover)?
    • What do you think Paul means when he says “Purge out therefore the old leaven”?
  • Scripture: Matthew 21:12–17; Jeremiah 7:11
  • Scripture: Luke 19:45–48
  • Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:2–4; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
  • Discussion Questions
    • How might we better clean our own homes of leaven or in other words wickedness or corruption?
    • When is it appropriate to show anger? How can we best follow Christ’s example when we are angry?

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Tuesday - The Anointing by Women

  • Introduction: Jesus is called the Messiah and Christ, both which mean anointed one. During the events of Holy Week, one, and possibly two women anoint Jesus prior to his death. We may not be able to spend a year’s earnings on anointing the Savior like this woman, but similarly we can help others know of his title as the Messiah of the world.
  • Video: The Anointing of Jesus by Women
  • Questions to Ponder
    • The word messiah (or anointed one) refers to three groups of people; prophets, priests, and kings. How does the Savior fulfill each of these titles as the Messiah?
    • Why do you think Jesus allowed this woman to anoint him with such a costly gift? What might this teach us about allowing others to serve us?
    • How would you answer Judas Isacariot’s criticism of Mary?
  • Scripture: John 12:1–9
  • Scripture: Mark 14:3–9
  • Discussion Questions
    • How might we be similar to Judas when we discourage others? How can we better allow people to serve the Savior and ourselves?
    • Have others ever discouraged you when you try to serve the Savior? How do you react? How might you react more like this woman?
    • How can we help fulfill the Savior’s prophecy that this woman's service will always be remembered? What can we do to honor this woman and the Savior?

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Wednesday - The Last Supper

  • Introduction: The Last Supper took place during the Passover feast according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus Christ knew this would be the last time he would dine with his apostles before his crucifixion. As you watch this video and read the scripture passages, consider the significance of this final meal.
  • Video: The Setting of the Last Supper
  • Questions to Ponder
    • How does Jesus Christ treat the apostles that he knows will betray and forsake him in only a few short hours?
    • Pay close attention to Jesus’ command of servant leadership. How does Jesus exemplify this through his actions and teachings?
    • Notice that it appears that Jesus also washes the feet of Judas as he does not leave until after the washing of the feet (see John 13:30). What might this teach us about the character of Jesus and his love towards even Judas?
  • Scripture: Luke 22:14–27
  • Scripture: John 13:1–16; John 13:21–30
  • Discussion Questions
    • What does knowing about the likely seating arrangement of the apostles at the Last Supper teach you about the character and attributes of Jesus? What does it teach us about his love for even the vilest of sinners?
    • How do you think Peter must have felt, being placed in the seat of the servant? What might this teach us about true leadership in Christ’s church?

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Thursday - Suffering in Gethsemane and The Trial of Jesus

  • Introduction Gethsemane: After the Last Supper, Christ chose to suffer for our sins in a garden with an olive press (gethsemane means olive press in Hebrew). As you watch this video and read the story, consider the significance of this location and what lessons we can learn from its symbols. How does this help you better appreciate the atonement?
  • Video: Holy Week: Gethsemane
  • Questions to Ponder
    • Of all places, why might Jesus have chosen to suffer in a garden with an olive press?
    • Think of the various uses of olive oil in ancient times of things like light, anointing, cooking, soap, and fuel. How might these symbols relate to the atonement of the Savior?
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:36–46
  • Scripture: Luke 22:39–46
  • Scripture: Mosiah 3:7; 3 Nephi 11:11; D&C 19:16–19
  • Discussion Questions
    • Why would Christ ask the apostle to pray “lest ye enter into temptation?” How can we pray to avoid temptation?
    • How does the symbol of olive oil add beauty to the meaning of the atonement of Jesus Christ?
    • In Lehi’s dream, the fruit of the Tree of Life is sweet, yet Christ who is the Tree of Life says he drank from the bitter cup. How can the bitterness of our own sin be made sweet?
  • Introduction Trial: After being judged by the high priest and the Jewish Sandhedrin, Jesus was brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Though the majority of the Jewish leadership called for Jesus’ death, asking that his blood be on them, there were a few brave individuals who stood up to defend Jesus. Pay particular attention to these individuals as you study the story of the trial of the Savior.
  • Video: The Trial of Jesus: His Blood Be On Us
  • Questions to Ponder
    • Why was Jesus mostly silent during his trial? Why do we see little evidence of him trying to defend himself?
    • Notice all the false crimes laid before Christ. Have you ever been falsely accused? How did you react? What can the Savior’s example teach us?
  • Scripture: Matthew 26:57–68
  • Scripture: John 19:4–16
  • Scripture: Luke 23:50–51; John 7:50–51
  • Scripture: 1 Nephi 11:32; 1 Nephi 19:9
  • Quote: “Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord 'shall suffer persecution' (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.”
    Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming,” April 2020 Ensign.
  • Discussion Questions
    • In Matthew 27:19, we learn that Pilate’s wife interceded on Jesus’ behalf. When have you had opportunities to defend Christ or your belief in Him?
    • Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea showed dissent for the condemnation made by the Sanhedrin; they later both show generous acts of service after his crucifixion. How can we show the same kind of devotion to the Savior?
    • As we read Pres. Nelson’s warning that it will rarely be easy or popular to be a faithful member, how can we ensure that we are courageous in our daily lives?

Friday - The Crucifixion of Jesus

  • Introduction: The crucifixion of Christ was an agonizing painful death. This form of execution was only used by the Romans for non-citizens and for the severest of punishment. It is considered one of the most horrendous ways to die. As you watch this video consider why Christ would allow himself to suffer and die in this manner.
  • Video: What was crucifixion like?
  • Questions to Ponder
    • Why is it significant that Jesus allowed himself to be killed in such a painful and agonizing way?
    • Pay particular attention to the last words of Jesus as he hangs on the cross. Who does he focus on and what is he concerned with?
  • Scripture: John 19:16–30
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:32–46
  • Scripture: Luke 23:34–46
  • Scripture: 1 Nephi 11:33; Alma 34:10; Alma 34:14–15; 3 Nephi 27:14–15
  • Discussion Questions
    • What do the last words of Jesus teach us about how we should act in our own moments of trial and suffering?
    • What does the death of Christ mean to you? How does his death make your life more meaningful and purposeful?
    • What does it mean to you to know that Christ suffered for your sins?

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Saturday - The Burial of Jesus

  • Introduction: After Christ’s death, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. His body lay in the tomb on the Sabbath day, a day which should have been a day of rejoicing, yet this day was anything but joyful. As you watch the video and read the story of this painful day for the disciples, try and consider how those who loved him must have felt seeing his body laid to rest.
  • Video: Holy Week: Day of Agony
  • Questions to Ponder
    • The burial of Jesus was the darkest of times for those who followed him. Notice how the disciples responded to Jesus’ death. How did they serve others and the Savior at this time of sorrow?
    • How does knowing that Jesus “rested” on the Sabbath (Saturday for the Jews) change your perspective of how the day might have felt for the disciples of Jesus?
  • Scripture: Matthew 27:57–66
  • Scripture: John 19:38–42
  • Scripture: Isaiah 53:9–12; 3 Nephi 9:22
  • Quote: "I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the darkest. But the doom of that day did not endure. The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind."
    Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Sunday Will Come," November 2006, Ensign
  • Discussion Questions
    • Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus served Christ even though he had already died. When have you had opportunities to stand for Christ even when it appears as though no one is looking?
    • When faced with the darkest of trials how can our faith be strengthened knowing that our own Sunday will come?

Explore Further

  • Video: Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb
  • Scripture: Mark 15:42–47
  • Scripture: Luke 23:50–56
  • Quote: “Of greatest assurance in God’s plan is that a Savior was promised, a Redeemer, who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials, even though the cost to do so would be unfathomable for both the Father who sent Him and the Son who came. It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own lesser suffering first bearable, then understandable, and finally redemptive.” 
    Jeffrey R. Holland, "Like a Broken Vessel," November 2013, Ensign
  • Discussion Questions
    • Sometimes our need to know how or when a trial will end supersedes our ability to withstand the trial.
    • How can we keep a perfect brightness of hope in Christ even if we don’t know what the future holds?

Sunday - Easter Sunday

  • Introduction: Mary Magdalene was the first witness of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Despite living in a world dominated by men, Jesus chose to appear first to Mary. This teaches us many powerful lessons about what it means to be a true witness. We are not witnesses because of wealth, status, lineage, race, or gender—with Jesus, all can be witnesses. As you watch this video, ponder on the significance that the Savior would show himself to Mary Magdalene before anyone else, including the Apostles.
  • Video: Mary Magdalene, the First Witness
  • Video: Doubting Thomas or Witness of Christ
  • Questions to Ponder
    • In Mark 16:19 and Luke 8:2 we learn that Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene. What can we learn knowing that Mary struggled significantly before meeting Jesus yet was healed and became the first witness of the resurrection? Why was it necessary to have witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord?
    • Why do you think the apostles needed to see the empty tomb to believe that Christ had been resurrected?
 

Videos for Come Follow Me

Watch videos on Church History, Doctrine and Covenants, Easter, and more on the Book of Mormon Central and Doctrine and Covenants Central YouTube channels

Book of Mormon Central

Doctrine and Covenants Central

Additional Resources

Explore the sections below to find even more videos and resources for studying Easter this week

More Easter Videos

Watch videos from Gospel scholars and teachers to learn more about Holy Week, Easter, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Taylor Halverson and Tyler Griffin

Easter Messages with John Hilton III

Book of Mormon Central
Book of Mormon Central
Book of Mormon Central
Book of Mormon Central
Book of Mormon Central
Book of Mormon Central

Events of Holy Week – Messages of Christ

Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ
Messages of Christ

Come Follow Me Easter Reading Plan

Structure your personal scripture study by following a 15-minute, day-by-day plan. Each day's assignment includes the required scripture passages from the Come, Follow Me curriculum, as well as suggestions for additional resources to bring context and understanding to your study. For the best experience, use our Reading Plan in the free ScripturePlus app! You can track your progress and have access to the best resources.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday