Final Words: From the Cross

by Adam Hamilton

In life and in death, Jesus’ words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven “final words”—statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and

Father Forgive Them
Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother
My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
I Thirst
It Is Finished
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

In 24 Hours That Changed the World , Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring follow-up book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross.

Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth.

Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross.

Final Words from the Cross offers six chapters/sessions plus a postscript chapter/session, so that classes have the option of a seventh session on Easter Sunday.

Lent, Lenten, Lenten Resource, Lenten Resources, Lent Study, Lent Studies, Easter, Easter Study, Easter Studies

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Church, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Lindsay Lock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really liked this book. I liked how he used historical fiction excerpts to illustrate how others would have viewed the crucifixion of Christ. Goes over each of the things Christ said on the Cross in depth and what was meant by it. Great read especially during the Easter/ Lenten season.

[NancyInWI · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Lenten study I've ever done. Learned so much about the last words of Christ that I never knew before. Very soul touching.

[James Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last words of Jesus are among the most important ever spoken. People have pondered them for nearly 2000 years. Many have discussed and studied them. Others have reflected on them in their own hearts. In Final Words From the Cross, Adam Hamilton shares some of his thoughts about these amazing statements of the Lord. The book is just over 130 pages in length, but still provides some interesting comments on Christ's words. In addition to its six main chapters, it also includes a postscript and a helpful appendix.

Each chapter begins with a Bible quotation of the text surrounding Jesus' words, and then presents a first-person narrative. Each of these are from the perspective of someone who stood near the cross. Although these sections are fictional, they are based on information we have from the gospels. The studies that make up the rest of the chapter skillfully weave descriptions of Jesus' suffering, how we relate to what He says, and other passages as appropriate. The author does a good job of sharing a significant number of verses when he wants to make a strong case about a topic.

For example, in the section where Jesus says, "Today you will be with me in Paradise," Mr. Hamilton provides multiple verses about God remembering someone. He writes, "In the Old Testament, when God remembered individuals, God delivered them. In Genesis 8:1, God remembered Noah and saved him from the flood. In Genesis 19:29, God remembered Abraham, and therefore spared his nephew, Lot, from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 30:22, God remembered Rachel and opened her womb so she could have a child. In Exodus 2:2, God remembered his covenant with Abraham and therefore delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt" (pgs. 43-44). These portions are among my favorite parts of the book. Most chapters have something similar to the above. They are like miniature studies on a subject that lead readers to a further exploration God's Word. Their inclusion is valuable and appreciated.

As I read the work, I also noticed that the author sometimes discusses concepts that are not directly related to Jesus' statements. These asides usually work well, and do not seem out of place. Surprisingly, aspects of the lives of women are a common topic. He uses Jesus' words to the apostle John and Mary to examine the importance of family members taking care of their parents (pgs. 55-56). Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well is brought up too (pgs. 94-95). It focuses on the importance of not treating others with scorn, and had such an impact on me that I wrote a blog article about it. The author also shares his opinions on women leadership in Church (pg. 54).

Of course, most of the material is more directly related to the Lord's death. The significance of the three offers of wine, the use of hyssop, and the tearing of the veil of the temple are all examined. These comments are often insightful, and gave me a greater understanding of what was going on during Jesus' death. I found the discussion on the hyssop branch to be particularly impressive (pgs. 97-99). When he stays within the Bible, and backs up his words with the historical context of the time, the author does a great job.

The two places where he falters is when he injects his own opinions onto the text. This is most often seen in the first-person narratives prominently featured in each chapter. These may be helpful for others, but I found them to be distracting. They are written in a style that seems to inject modern-day thoughts into the people at the cross. This may not be avoidable, but I simply did not believe that the people would be thinking the way they are portrayed. For example, I really doubt that Simon of Cyrene would have been surprised by the horrible suffering involved in crucifixions (pg. 15). They were done publicly to discourage others. The narrative from Nicodemus was also disappointing (pgs. 83-85).

The other problem I had with the book was the author's discussion on women leaders and teachers in the Church. I mentioned it a few paragraphs ago. I expect that many will agree with what he says there, but he does not actually address the passages that teach against his perspective. Some of these include 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-12, 3:1-7; and Tts. 1:5-9. Even though what the author says is only a small part of the book, I would be dishonest if I didn't mention it. I feel compelled to do so. Especially since it is one reason I cannot give the book a higher rating.

After discussing Jesus' last statements, Mr. Hamilton shares a postscript related to some of the Lord's resurrection appearances. It has a similar style to the previous chapters, except without a fictional narrative. Like the rest of the book, some of his additional details here are quite helpful. All in all, Final Words From the Cross by Adam Hamilton is a quality book, and something that I can recommend to others except for a couple of caveats. I look forward to reading other books by him in the future.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this little book quickly during Holy Week, to prepare for Good Friday services. It's organized around the Seven Words from the Cross (the seven statements attributed to the crucified Christ throughout the Four Gospels), but the last two are grouped together to make it suitable as a six-week study for Lent. He begins each chapter with a short, imaginative, first-person narration by a biblical figure (e.g., Simon of Cyrene, or a mocker in the crowd) before considering the significance of what Jesus said in the particular saying in question.

Not spectacular on the whole, certainly nothing ground-breaking in the overall treatment, but Hamilton does have a few good reflections on what the cross signifies, e.g.: "The cross is a divine drama in which God through Jesus is revealing the darkness of the human soul and the relentless grace and love of God for the human race. It is a sculpture that when seen from one angle is so horrible and repulsive you can hardly stand to look at it, but when viewed from another angle is so beautiful you cannot help falling to your knees in utter amazement. It is a masterpiece in which the Artist has painted at one and the same time a self-portrait revealing his character and a portrait of you - your need for mercy and his willingness to offer it to you. It is a love story that moves you to tears - one that begs to be read again and again" (107).

[Darrell Kohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings laser direct new insights into the meaning of the last things that Jesus said on earth. This subject could be confusing because different gospels say different things and some of what they say could be attributed to different timelines depending on how you interpret what they say. This books goes light years into making sense out of what the gospels say. If you want to understand the words of Jesus, what they mean, and how they might impact you, this is an excellent place to start.

[Larry W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is the second time that I have read this short well written book. Like the subject matter which it covers, it is both challenging and ultimately hopeful. Pastor Hamilton has an easy to read style that helps covey very deep concepts of both pain and the penultemate universal joy of God's love. A must read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of Lent would be the ideal time to read this book. Adam Hamilton puts your feet where Jesus walked and builds Jesus' time in a very real way. Also reminded me that Jesus was Jewish and knew the Old Testament intimately and by heart.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Lenten study that points out perspectives on the cross that I would not have considered on my own. Hamilton is excellent at putting the events of the crucifixion and Jesus’s last words in context and showing how His death means so much more than what we literally read into His words.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful!

So amazing! What an incredible book. Really gives you New insight on our great Saviour! Very easy read. You won't be disappointed

[Delynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sunday School class did this study and all like it. We used the books, the videos and study guide. I highly recommend it, especially around Easter.

[Lewis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very informative. Gave me some things to think about.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studied with small group at church during Lent

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS! Used this with 2 other books on same topic for Lent with my Sunday School class = PROFOUND

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking in some chapters. Long winded in others. 3.5/5 stars

[Ray Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about the last words of Jesus. I especially like the commentary on the words of Jesus after His resurrection.

[Joann]

class study

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great meditation on the last words of Christ to help me prepare my heart for Holy Week. I loved all the Old Testament references and spent a lot of time reading them in my Bible.

[Charlotte Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very meaningful Lenten study.

[Matt Stremel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Lenten devotional

[Karen Roettger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our Lenten Book discussion. Lots to ponder & think about. Adam Hamilton suggest that we recommit ourselves by saying , “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mine is an ebook; not an audio CD

I just finished a lenten Bible study based on this book. I’d like to tell you I got a lot out of this, but the truth is, I didn’t. The book discussed Jesus’ final words on the cross, with a chapter dedicated to each statement.
As a stand alone book, this was a quick read, requiring only a few minutes each week. It didn’t take long to read, but there wasn’t a lot of new material here. There were no discussion questions in the book, so there was nothing to cause you to think, or to challenge you. The author gave the source of the statement and a little background, with several possible interpretations.
As a study, the book is supplemented by a DVD with leaders guide. The group leader has study questions available to share at the group meeting. However, the DVD is 10 minutes of the authors sermons about these words, and for the most part, rehashes what was said in the book. I was left wondering why I bothered reading the book.
As much as I felt I got little from this study, it would be perhaps be appropriate for relatively new Christians, who may not be familiar with some of the stories of the crucifixion. It would also make a good ‘Sunday School’ study where there is limited time, and the group wants the option of adding new people each week. Since the DVD repeats most of what is in the book, new people could come in with no preparation and be able to participate fully. However, for a more established group, I would look at other studies.


Why did you choose this book? Our church did a lenten study with this book
When did you read this book? March 2012
Who should read this book? relatively new Christians, Sunday School groups
Source: ebook purchased from ChristianBook.com

[Daniel Threlfall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by Adam Hamilton. I attended a conference at his church last year, but I didn't know much about him. After reading this book, I am grateful for Hamilton's warm, compassionate, and devotional writing.

Hamilton deals wich each one of Christ's final sayings from the cross, exploring their meaning and application to life. The book is particularly helpful as a devotional book leading up to Easter. Each chapter begins with a fictional first-hand account someone who watched Christ die. While these portions are not necessarily what actually happened, they provide a poignant and personal application that helps the reader better understand Jesus' words. Christ's dying statements were not his last, and the book closes with a discussion of Jesus actual final words -- the words that he spoke after his resurrection.

There were three things about the book that I really appreciated:
1. Absolute clarity. Rather than trying to be cute or clever, Hamilton strives to be clear.
2. Intensely devotional. Lots of application throughout.
3. Bold theology. Hamilton makes no attempt to water down his theology. He's unafraid of explaining the original languages to gain more clarity on Christ's final words.
At times, Adam Hamilton discusses the "deeper meaning" of Christ's words. His overall application is spot on. However, the language of uncovering a "deeper" or "hidden" meaning can be confusing for Christians who think that they must somehow arrive at a mystical deeper meaning when they read the Bible.

Overall, I highly recommend Final Words: From the Cross for anyone who desires a greater understanding of Christ's final words from the cross, and who cherishes a greater appreciation of His atoning death.

[Josh Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).

In Final Words from the Cross, Adam Hamilton explores seven of the final phrases Christ spoke on the Cross. Hamilton's book, while concise, still conveys a understanding and respect for the emotional and intellectual depth of Jesus' last words.

Hamilton does not simply tell readers (or in my case, listeners) what to believe or how exactly we must understand and interpret the words. Rather, he provides a realistic, human-yet-divine picture of the impact and meaning behind the words. He clearly understands the scholarship on these biblical passages, but does not drone on in intellectual boredom.

One of the elements I particularly valued was the stories he developed for each phrase. Hamilton wrote first-person narratives from the perspectives of various individuals in the biblical story to flesh out the words of Christ and really bring them to life.

Books like this can be cheesy, superficial, and intellectual without heart, all missing the bigger picture. Yet Hamilton does a phenomenal job of balancing all of these elements, creating a devotional, emotional, and intellectual book that really deepened my faith and appreciation of Jesus' final words on the cross.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Crizzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goes through Jesus' last words on the cross (little book we read for Sunday School):

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing"

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - this is the first line of Psalm 22, which shows Jesus worshiping. Most Jews would recognize the psalm as we would "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...". It goes on to prophecy what happened at the cross (piercing his hands and feet, mocking him, gambling for his clothes) but ends in confidence that God hears and saves.

"I thirst" - the author suggests that Jesus was praying here, too. He had spoken before of the cup he was to drink from, meaning suffering on the cross... he was willing to drink this cup of suffering for God's new covenant to be put into place. Or the cup was almost empty. There were a few different views offered.

"It is finished" which in Aramaic is one word, like "completed"... like a masterpiece.

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" - praying another psalm - Ps 31:5. It is suggested that this was a prayer Jewish mothers taught their children to say before going to bed, which is so sweet.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Hamilton always writes excellent books for bible study classes as well as for individual reading. This particular book has a DVD to complement your reading each week. We studied this book over a six week period during Lent. Everyone reads the book on their own & then we watch the DVD portion for that week with one person leading the group in a discussion. My husband & I are very blessed to have an amazing group of people in our Sunday Connections group to share our thoughts together as we read & study. Depending on the season of your faith, this book can move you & can aid in the understanding of Jesus' final words on the cross & the interpretation of these words as Hamilton understands it.

[Jan Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a jewel. It is not an expose on philosophical or theological dogma. It is meant to help the reader understand difficult Biblical concepts through explanation, example, insight, research, and an easily understood language so we may live these concepts.
The beginning of each chapter begins with a fictional account, though based in Scripture, of someone who was at the foot of the cross. Hamilton did this to help us imagine yourself at the cross and adds possible details you'd hear and see.
I would recommend reading this book carefully and without haste to digest what is offered. I found it to very inspiring and helpful even thought I have been a Christian for many years.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book; highly recommended for any of my Christian friends. This gives a good perspective on Jesus' final phrases and what they may mean. The author does a good job of analyzing several different angles and being clear on when he is quoting scripture versus providing his inputs. I learned a lot reading this book. The only thing I didn't like so much was the start of chapter quick story snippets (some of which used a bit of extra artistic license), but I can see why they were included to try to paint the setting for the reader, and the author was clear that the start of chapter snippets were using artistic license so it wasn't something he tried to hide.

[John Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do appreciate Adam Hamilton, I so feel we're on the same wave length. The first book of his I read was "making sense of the bible" which was truly excellent, but from the titles of some of his other works, I wasn't sure if I'd like them or not since I've been a bit put off lately by overtly Christiany type books, but I am glad I gave this book a chance, I loved his emphases, heart, perspective, insights and tone. I am next going to read 24 hours that changed the world next, I am excited to learn in this work, that in 24 hours he writes about the different views of the atonement in it, if there is anything I need some help making sense of, it definitely is the atonement.

[The Rev. J. Curtis Goforth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely basic and simplistic, which, in and of itself is not a bad thing. But, I was hoping for something with a little more bite to it. If you are looking to use this book in a church Bible study for a group of new converts it would be good. If you are looking for something that a small group of retired ladies might read on a Wednesday morning in the church parlor, it would be fine for that too. However, if you are looking for thought-provoking, insightful, meaty commentary on Jesus' last words, look elsewhere and don't waste your money.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book right before Good Friday. It's a quick read - a short book focusing on Jesus' 7 last words. It contains some interesting and thought provoking reflections and prayers.

I noticed in the kindle edition which I read that there were some editorial errors. I found words repeating in a few sentences which I found distracting. I kept re-reading the sentences thinking I was reading it wrong and then would realize it was incorrect. The kindle edition could have used some proof reading.

I would read it again during Lent. It was a good read.