Last Words: Seven Sayings from the Heart of Christ on the Cross

by Robert J. Nash

"Christ's final words on earth are full of forgiveness, hope, and compassion. Last Words by Robert J. Nash explores a fresh perspective on the obedience of the cross, revealing the heart of God who sent his son to die. Find new meaning in the power and hope of his death"--

96 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2020

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus shared seven last thoughts as he died that contain a wealth of meaning we should not forget or neglect. A study that seeks to mine those words to challenge the soul.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise
Woman, behold your son! Then he said to the disciple, Behold your mother!
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
I thirst
It is finished
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

In those seven statements Jesus proclaimed the gospel and in proclaiming the gospel, we see our need for a savior, we see Jesus, we can go to God, and we can go to others with the same good news.

Each chapter will touch you differently. The chapter that was significant for me was "My God, My God, why have your forsaken me. Living in the church age whether you are a believer or not, we experience the grace of God. God's presence is there whether we acknowledge it or not. His creation shows his glory and his love is shown at the cross. When we are faced with death and our life is done, we will know God's presence like never before or we will know it not at all. With Jesus being forsaken by the father, our faith in Christ and his work will keep us ever knowing that. Christ is our only hope.

This Easter season is a good time to get know Jesus and know the Father's love. This study is a great place to start! Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be a small book but the reflections on the last sayings of Jesus are insightful and encouraging. Nash chooses one word to highlight from each saying. His commentaries on each saying are thoughtful and encourage reflection. A good example is on the saying, “I thirst.” Nash asks us to meditate on our thirsts, our longings, our desires for meaning and purpose. He reminds us how Jesus satisfied thirst in others, spiritual and physical. Each essay includes a Reflection section with penetrating questions and commentary. He ends the chapter with a written prayer.

I appreciate Nash's insights into Jesus' mercy, compassion, selflessness, love and humanity, the finished work of Jesus and God our Father, all from Jesus' last sayings. This is a good book for new Christians as it explains many aspects of Christianity. It is a good book for seasoned Christians too, reminding us of all Jesus has done for us.

This would be a good book to read during the week before Easter.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Emily Vander Ark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I knew that Rob was writing a book, the Good Friday services at my church were some of my favorite ones due to the creative passion evident in his sermons on that particular day. The last words of Christ are an interesting topic to study, and this book will make the rewards of such study evident.

[Joe Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devotional style books have always been a little more difficult for me to engage with because I'm always wanting to move on to the next thing in my schedule. This can cause me to miss out on the benefits of slow contemplation and reflection. In this book, Nash provides great contextual information that gives the last words of Christ a richness, but he also challenges the reader to slow down and engage with the Lord and his final words on a personal level. I loved chapter 2 and chapter 7 most, but all offered good and challenging thoughts. I read this book too fast, so in reviw, I recommend this book be read as a devotional guide through Lenton season, one chapter at a time, and outloud.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The last words of a hero or heroine in a story pack a punch. The final chapter of a book ties up loose ends. Epitaphs and eulogies have a summarizing power. Phone calls, visits, and whispers of those on hospice become riches locked away in the fading memories of those left behind. Jesus shared seven last thoughts as he died that contain a wealth of meaning we should not forget or neglect. This book seeks to mine those words to challenge the soul.

My favorite devotionals tend to be short devotionals. Not those that span an entire year, but those that can be picked up and treasured ANY time of the year. Last Words is a short read--under a hundred pages--but its packed with treasures. Nash is closely examining the last words of Jesus Christ on the cross. And believers could profit from such a close study of their Savior's last words.

Each saying gets its own chapter. Two chapters are much longer than the others. These happened to be my favorites. But really all of the chapters are GOOD. Each chapter is broken into sections: "See Your Need," "See Jesus," "Come Near to God," and "Go To Others."

So as a refresher course....Here are Jesus’s seven last statements made while on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26–27). “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). “I thirst” (John 19:28). “It is finished” (John 19:30). “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46).

This book would make a wonderful gift to a friend or a lovely treat for yourself. You could read it at any time but it might mean the most to you during Advent or Passion Week.

[Jan Eldred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus made seven statements while He was hanging on the cross. Most Christians have heard the crucifixion story in first four gospels of the New Testament, as well as many times at church. But how many of us have really studied the statements that came from Jesus on the day that would come to be known as Good Friday?
For each chapter, Mr. Nash explores the meaning of each statement, and what the larger importance the statement means in terms of Jesus’ reason for coming to Earth as a sacrifice for our sins.
Nash skillfully connects and applies the meanings of the statements not just to the people present at the time of Jesus’ death, but also to our lives today.
Also, Nash has made Jesus last seven statements applicable to today’s Christian, and thought provoking to any non-Christian.
I am giving “Last Word: Seven Sayings from the Heart of Christ on- the Cross” FIVE stars. I was extremely impressed with how complete Nash’s research was. The list of references at the end of the book would take days for someone to read through.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Words by Robert J. Nash is a book that takes the reader through the last 7 sayings of Jesus Christ. This book goes through the forgiveness, hope, comfort, and compassion of Christ's words in his final moments on earth. The author shows the reader historical truths about Jesus's love for the Christian church in his death and resurrection. I love that each chapter has reflection questions and a devotional prayer. There is also a Scripture index in the back of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to go deeper in study, into the last sayings of Jesus. I believe this would be a good book to have in every Church Library.

[Shirley Alarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth exploration of Jesus’ last words.

Author Robert J. Nash dissects the seven intentional sayings from Christ on the cross. We're familiar with His last words. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” “It is finished.” But what is their context? How do they apply to us today? This is the heart of Last Words.

The text is relatively short at 96 pages, including pages of references. But the main goal is to let the power of the words and their intention reach into the reader’s heart. Nash accomplishes this with reflection and prayer at the end of each chapter.

Nash brings the reader back to the society and traditions that existed at the time. We learn how Jesus’ words were relevant and meaningful then and still speak to us today. His crucifixion was an astounding sacrifice that changed the course of history and saved us. When we place our mind back in that time, it helps us understand and appreciate it all the more.

How this book affected me:
Putting myself mentally and emotionally at the foot of the cross is always a humbling and surreal experience. To see and feel the pain that Jesus suffered for my sins is almost too large to grasp. Last Words brought me back there and it’s always a spiritual journey worth taking.

Who would enjoy this book:
With the narrow focus on the final sayings of Jesus, this book is different than most Christian books. Christians who are solid in their faith and looking to really connect with Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice would enjoy Last Words. Historians might enjoy reading about the circumstances of the time. Christians looking to deepen their faith would be served more by other books.

Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently preached a series through the Seven Sayings, and this book was one of my companions in my preparation. Don’t be put off by the excessive endorsements (one for every 8.78 pages). This is a wonderfully encouraging book.

Each chapter begins with a short exposition, looking at the words in their Calvary context before drawing connections with other Bible passages. Nash is keen to show how each of the sayings points to wider biblical truth, so there are a lot of cross-references (no pun intended). For the first saying (“Father, forgive them”), he takes us to the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, the two debtors in Luke 7 and the Last Supper, as well as highlighting 14 other Bible verses.

Throughout these expositions, Nash draws out a variety of applications, with some well-placed rhetorical questions to make it personal. But the real blessing comes at the end of the chapter, where there are four reflection questions, leading you to “see your need”, “see Jesus”, “come near to God” and “go to others”. These are good fuel for personal meditation, or for discussing with brothers and sisters, both for new believers and more mature Christians.

This is the sort of book you could give to any book-reader in your church. It’s accessible, with short sections, but there is a richness to the connections and applications Nash points us to. You won’t get ground-breaking insights or answers to the difficult questions, but you will see more of Jesus, and that’s the main thing.

(Full reflections on Substack: https://adamthomas.substack.com)

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Words is a valuable meditation on what the Apostle Paul calls the matter of “first importance” in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, which I need every day but cherished during the week of Good Friday and Easter. One of my favorite quotes from the book puts the gospel on display: “He thought not of hunger or loneliness or injustice or pain or complaints in that moment [on the cross], but of you” (p. 11).

I benefitted from the sermons and pastoral care of Pastor Rob Nash for several years, and the chapters read like his sermons—considered, dense yet comprehensible, and filled with thought-provoking questions, Biblical truth, and applications for our lives today. I read through it quickly, but when I reread it, as I’m sure I will, I intend to spend more time pondering his many challenging questions.

Not only are these sayings Jesus’s last words before dying, but as the author points out, the excruciating effort it took for Him to utter them adds weight to every word, making a study of the sayings all the more consequential. As a bonus, the poem in the epilogue worshipfully responds to a deeper understanding of Jesus’s words. It is a wonderful and fitting conclusion for a book that inspires praise for our perfect Redeemer, who laid down His life for His friends.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’re just words, aren’t they? Well, maybe more than that. They are the last words of Jesus before His death. Someone’s last words are always important.

So, of course, the words of Jesus were (and still are) important. Much more important than it seems on first reading. You’ll never so superficially look at these words again.

The chapters are set up in a way to be excellent devotions or Bible group topics.

Thank you, Mr. Nash. I’ll be looking forward to more of your insights.

***Book provided without charge by Audra Jennings PR.***

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAST WORDS is small, but detailed, devotional Bible study about Jesus' final words on the cross and what they mean. It includes reflection discussion questions that would make it excellent for small groups, and also a prayer.



As we ponder what Christ did for us during this time of Lent and the passover and as we approach Easter, LAST WORDS would be an excellent resource to consider.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own

[Dennise Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very thoughtful book exploring the meaning of the last few words spoken by Christ prior to his death. It is easy to read and sheds new light on the most important last few hours of Jesus's life as he used his last breaths to give a final message before he left us. I highly recommend this book!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is suitable for any time of year. Not just Lent. With thoughtful and considered meditations on the last words of Jesus I found it both blessing and challenging.
I recommend this book.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.

[Josh Olds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last words hold importance in culture throughout human history. They are the dying person’s final impartation to the recipient. One last declaration. One last admonition. One last request. One final articulated thought.

Almost as long as there has been written history, there have been accounts of last words. These words from Jesus are no different, and very early in the church they had been established as part of the Easter liturgy. Some traditions walk through all of these sayings in one service, called a Tenebrae. In this book, John Nash takes a compilation of devotional thoughts from his own church’s Good Friday services to create this short devotional: Last Words.

Nash divides each saying into its own chapter, lasting 7-12 pages. His analysis is fairly standard and basic. He covers each saying well, but doesn’t really say anything new or different or particularly catchy. It’s a catch-22. If you say anything new theologically, it’s probably heresy. But if you just give the standard spiel to a well-known passage of Scripture—well, there’s just nothing new.

Nash’s writing is just…okay. And that’s my two-word review. It’s okay. There’s not much to write about either way. It’s a basic overview of the seven sayings. But nothing about it stands out. And with so many other devotionals and books on this subject, it really needs to be able to set itself apart.

I preached through the Seven Sayings in 2018 and, through that, utilized and studied several different resources that was able to sound distinct and original despite the standard source material. Last Words was not able to do that. It’s theologically sound. It’s average writing. There’s just no hook that makes it stand out in a crowded field.

Read Cross-Shattered Christ by Hauerwas or The Wounded Word by Simon Peter Long. Fleming Rutledge and Erwin Lutzer have great books on this topic as well. I’ll give Nash credit for trying, but his book reads like a standard set of student essays on the subject. He shows mastery of the material, but that doesn’t translate into an engaging book.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most important words we will ever speak are our last. Jesus said seven things as He hung on the cross that summarizes His whole earthly purpose and encourages us on our lifelong journey. He offered forgiveness, encouraged a thief into Heaven, made arrangements for His mother, asked the why question, made statements about His physical condition and entered the presence of God. Each of the seven words/sayings gives us hope and spiritual perception that reveals to us how much God loves us.

Robert Nash's short book, "Last Words: Seven Sayings from the Heart of Christ on the Cross", is inspiring and will complement your Easter devotional time. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and prayer making this book an invaluable resource. Many of the reflection questions can be returned to again and again during different seasons of your spiritual journey to encourage you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a 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.”

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small book, just 96 pages long, but it is packed full of information and inspiration. Author Robert J. Nash has chosen the last words of Jesus and he specifically targets seven sayings that he hopes will challenge our souls. To help deepen our understanding even more, he then focuses on seven specific words from those sayings: Forgive, Today, Behold, Why, Thirst, Finished, and Father. There is a chapter devoted to each of these words and I especially like that in each chapter he shares Bible scripture, ideas for Reflection. and a suggested Prayer. He also offers an Index of Scripture to help readers easily find the many scriptures.

It is very apparent that Nash has devoted much research to this project and I consider "Last Words" a wonderful resource. I believe it would be an excellent devotional to use during the week leading up to Easter and very appropriate for both individual or group Bible study.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from New Growth Press. There was no obligation for a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compact read based around the significance of the words of Jesus Christ from the cross.



A rather straightforward, simple read, written in devotional style, with each chapter being about a 15 min read, diving in deep and working its way to the gospel, with questions to contemplate at the end. I loved how it drew from Jesus's ministry, and spoke about how each thing he said from the cross supported the claims he had made about himself, and the gospel.



Well researched, referenced, and written, simple yet powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, deity and humanity, his grace, and the hope that comes only through Jesus Christ.



Overall, a easy to read, comprehensive book, great to read with bible study or leading up to Easter Sunday.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Last Words Seven Sayings From the Heart of Christ on the Cross by Robert J. Nash
This is a short but incredible look at the last words Jesus ever said. The author takes each statement and breaks it down. Nash shows the meaning behind each statement Jesus made while on the cross and how it applies to Biblical history and everyday life. This devotional is written for any Christian with included locations of chapter and verse in the Bible; as well as a short prayer. This is just an amazing book. I so highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

[Lisa Lewis Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Last Words." author Robert J. Nash takes the time to investigate the last words of Jesus while being crucified. He gives insight and reveals the cultural meaning behind these seven parting words of Jesus. I found it great to use as a devotional.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

As we ponder the last words of Jesus, we can not even begin to understand the great agony He went through because of His great love for us. This book by author Robert Nash will give you a glimpse of that.

This book would be ideal for small groups or personal devotions as it contains a prayer and reflection at the end of each chapter. Simply written so it’s understandable, this would also be a great tool to give a new believer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short book was thoughtfully presented, using other Biblical passages and their theological implications. Less then 100 pages but a good study.