Last Words

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.