Thank God It’s Friday: A Deep Dive into the Seven Last Words from the Cross
At first glance, the title Thank God It’s Friday might sound like a playful twist on the familiar “TGIF” culture—celebrating the end of a long workweek with relief and joy. But in the hands of renowned theologian and preacher William H. Willimon, this phrase takes on a radically deeper, more sacred meaning. In his compelling book, Thank God It’s Friday: Encountering the Seven Last Words from the Cross, Willimon invites readers into a profound spiritual journey through the final utterances of Jesus Christ on the cross.
This book is more than a simple theological treatise; it is a spiritual guide, a devotional companion for Holy Week, and a powerful call to a more authentic and engaged Christian faith. Willimon, a prolific author, bishop, and professor, brings his characteristic wit, pastoral wisdom, and sharp theological insight to this profound subject. He doesn’t just analyze the words; he invites us to listen to them, to feel them, and to allow them to transform our lives. In this extensive summary and review, we will delve into the core of Willimon’s message, exploring each of the seven chapters, or “words,” and uncovering the rich teachings the author so beautifully presents.
Chapter 1: The Word of Forgiveness – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Willimon begins with a word that is both astonishing and profoundly difficult to comprehend. As Jesus is being nailed to the cross, his first utterance is not one of pain or anger, but of forgiveness. The author immediately challenges our human inclination toward revenge and vindication. We are a people who want justice, who demand retribution for wrongs committed against us. Yet, Jesus offers a radical, counter-cultural model.
Willimon emphasizes that this forgiveness is not a simple, easy absolution. It is a profound act of divine love that confronts the depths of human sin. The people crucifying Jesus—the Roman soldiers, the mocking crowd, the religious leaders—are not simply “mistaken.” They are participating in a monumental act of evil. And yet, Jesus extends grace. Willimon argues that this is the very essence of the Gospel: God’s forgiveness, extended to us even in our darkest moments of rebellion and ignorance. He prompts us to consider who we need to forgive, and, perhaps more importantly, to recognize our own participation in the world’s brokenness, and our own desperate need for this same forgiveness.
This first word sets the tone for the entire book, grounding our understanding of the cross not in a spectacle of violence, but in an act of unconditional love.
Chapter 2: The Word of Salvation – “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
The second word is spoken to the repentant thief on the cross, a man who, in his final moments, recognizes Jesus’ innocence and authority. This is a word of hope and an incredible promise. Willimon highlights the power of this interaction: Jesus is not speaking to a saint, a devout follower, or a religious leader, but to a convicted criminal. This is a stark reminder that salvation is not earned through good works or religious piety; it is a gift freely given to those who turn to Christ in faith.
Willimon challenges the notion of a “deathbed conversion” as a cheap escape from a life of sin. Instead, he presents it as a powerful testament to the boundless grace of God. The thief’s faith is simple but sincere. He acknowledges his own sin and Jesus’ authority. In response, Jesus promises him an immediate and eternal place in “Paradise,” a powerful image of God’s presence. This chapter underscores a central theme of the Christian faith: no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. It offers immense comfort to those who feel they have strayed too far, and it serves as a powerful reminder that the door to God’s love is always open.
Chapter 3: The Word of Relationship – “Woman, here is your son.” and “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
In this poignant moment, Jesus, while in excruciating pain, addresses his mother, Mary, and his beloved disciple, John. He entrusts Mary to John’s care, establishing a new family born not of blood, but of faith. Willimon delves into the deeply human aspect of this word, showing us a son’s concern for his mother, a loving act in the midst of his ultimate suffering. But the author goes deeper, arguing that this act is not just about personal care.
Willimon interprets this as a symbolic act of forming the new community of faith, the church. The church is presented as the new family of God, where believers are bound together by their shared relationship with Christ, transcending biological ties. Mary and John, representing the broader community of believers, are called to care for one another, to bear each other’s burdens, and to form a new kind of family. This chapter powerfully reminds us that the Christian faith is not a solitary journey. It is lived out in community, in relationships of mutual love, support, and care, reflecting the very love of Christ himself.
Chapter 4: The Word of Abandonment – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
This is arguably the most difficult and unsettling of the seven words. Willimon does not shy away from its raw pain and theological complexity. This cry from the cross, a direct quote from Psalm 22, is not a sign of a lapse in Jesus’ faith, but a genuine expression of his experience. On the cross, Jesus takes on the full weight of humanity’s sin, and in doing so, he experiences a separation from God the Father—a separation that is the ultimate consequence of sin.
Willimon explains that this cry of abandonment is not a theological trick; it is a real and terrifying moment of cosmic significance. In this moment, Jesus is not just a man dying a painful death; he is the God-Man, experiencing the hell of separation from the divine. The author explores the profound implications of this. It means that Jesus has been to the very depths of human suffering and despair. He has felt what it is to be utterly alone, forgotten by God. This makes his solidarity with us complete.
When we feel abandoned, alone, and lost, we can know that Jesus understands. He has been there. This is a word of profound empathy, a word that validates our own experiences of suffering and reminds us that in our darkest moments, we are not alone.
Chapter 5: The Word of Suffering – “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)
On the surface, this seems like a simple, physical statement. But Willimon unpacks its deeper theological significance. This is not just a plea for water; it is a visceral declaration of Jesus’ complete humanity. He is not a stoic, impassive god; he is a man of flesh and blood, experiencing the full agony of crucifixion. This word reminds us of the reality of the incarnation: God became human, and in doing so, experienced all the physical pain, exhaustion, and need that we do.
Willimon also connects this word to the spiritual “thirst” of humanity. We are thirsty for meaning, for purpose, for God. Jesus’ cry is an echo of our own deepest longings. By declaring his thirst, he identifies with our spiritual poverty and our desperate need for God. This word serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not an intellectual exercise but an encounter with a real God who entered our world and experienced its pain, so that he could ultimately satisfy our deepest thirst with the living water of his Spirit.
Chapter 6: The Word of Triumph – “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
This short, powerful phrase is often misunderstood as a simple statement of finality. But Willimon reveals its profound meaning as a cry of victory. The Greek word, tetelestai, was often used in the context of business or law, meaning “paid in full.” Willimon argues that this is precisely what Jesus meant. He had completed the work he was sent to do. He had paid the debt of sin.
This word is the culmination of Jesus’ entire life and ministry. It signifies the completion of his mission, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the victory over sin and death. The work of salvation is not a partial payment; it is a full and complete redemption. Willimon emphasizes that this word changes everything. We are no longer striving to earn our salvation; it has already been secured for us. Our task is not to add to what Jesus has done, but to receive it and live in light of its truth. This word of triumph transforms the cross from an instrument of defeat into a symbol of ultimate victory.
Chapter 7: The Word of Hope – “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)
In his final breath, Jesus offers a word of ultimate trust and surrender. This is not a cry of defeat, but a final act of faith. Willimon points out that this is a quotation from Psalm 31, a psalm of both distress and ultimate trust in God. By quoting it, Jesus demonstrates his unwavering confidence in the Father, even in the face of death.
Willimon concludes the book by showing us that this final word is a model for our own lives and our own deaths. It is a word of hope that reminds us that death is not the end. For those who belong to Christ, death is a transition, a committing of our spirit into the loving hands of our Father.
This final word transforms the fear of death into a posture of trust. It assures us that our lives, our hopes, and our ultimate destiny are safe in the hands of the one who loves us completely. It brings the journey of the Seven Words to a powerful and hopeful close, reminding us that even in the face of death, there is life, and in the hands of God, there is peace.
Conclusion: Why We Can “Thank God It’s Friday”
William Willimon’s Thank God It’s Friday is a masterpiece of modern Christian writing. He takes a familiar biblical account and breathes new life into it, challenging us to look beyond the surface and to truly encounter the depth and power of Jesus’ final moments. The book is deeply theological, yet profoundly accessible. It avoids sentimentality in favor of a raw, honest look at the suffering of the cross, but it never loses sight of the ultimate hope and victory that suffering brings.
Through his masterful exploration of each of the seven words, Willimon conveys a central, unifying message: the crucifixion is not just a historical event, but a living reality that continues to shape our faith and our lives. The cross is not a sign of God’s weakness, but the ultimate demonstration of his love, his forgiveness, his triumph, and his hope. The author teaches us that by truly grappling with the meaning of Good Friday, we can come to a more profound understanding of who God is, and who we are called to be.
The book is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the cross. It is ideal for personal reflection during Lent, for group study, or for anyone grappling with the complexities of suffering, forgiveness, and faith. Willimon’s writing is a powerful reminder that “Thank God It’s Friday” can be more than just a casual phrase. It can be a genuine, heartfelt expression of gratitude for the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the love that changes everything. It can be a proclamation of hope, a testament to the transformative power of the cross, and a deep, abiding reason to be truly thankful.
FAQ – Thank God It’s Friday
Q1. What is the book Thank God It’s Friday about?
It’s a spiritual reflection on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the cross, offering theological insights and practical applications for faith.
Q2. Who is the author?
William H. Willimon, a retired United Methodist Bishop, theologian, and renowned preacher.
Q3. How many chapters does the book have?
Seven chapters—each focusing on one of Jesus’s last sayings.
Q4. What is the first “word” from the cross?
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” – a call to divine forgiveness.
Q5. What is the central theme of the book?
Grace, hope, trust, and transformation through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.
Q6. Is the book suitable for Lent and Good Friday meditations?
Yes, it’s ideal for personal devotion, group study, and sermon preparation during Holy Week.
Q7. Does the author focus on theology or personal application?
Both—he blends deep theological reflection with relatable, human-centered applications.
Q8. Can non-Christians benefit from reading it?
Yes, the themes of forgiveness, compassion, and hope are universal.
Q9. How long is the book?
It’s a short read—around 104 pages—but rich in meaning.
Q10. What is the main takeaway?
The Seven Last Words invite us into deeper trust in God, compassion for others, and hope in the face of suffering.