April 2010
By Dr. Brian Bantum, D’03
Assistant Professor of Theology
Seattle Pacific University
In Christ’s last words I am reminded of the observation of one theologian regarding Christ, that there are no words outside the Word...
Dr. J. Kameron Carter
Associate Professor of Theology and
Black Church Studies
Duke Divinity School
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (St. Matt. 27.45–46)
By Dr. William C. Turner, Jr.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Homiletics
Duke Divinity School
The Sayings known as the "Seven Last Words" are recorded by the evangelists as words spoken from the cross in his passion. During the earthly ministry Jesus was moved with compassion toward the world. This is a world the Father has not abandoned. This is a world that God loves. The Son is not unmoved; rather, he is sent in the Spirit that creation might be restored to communion with God.
By Dr. Esther Acolatse
Assistant Research Professor
of Pastoral Theology and Global Christianity
Duke Divinity School
Of all the words spoken on the cross that day, these words were the only ones that were related to the person of Jesus, as it were the only egocentric words. All others were exocentric, done in fulfillment of his calling as the son of Man who comes to take away the sin of human kind and fulfill his Father’s will.