We all know about famous last words. They are collected because they are supposed to be important. We expect something deep and profound from someone as their last words, the distillation of the wisdom of a lifetime.

We also know about the last words of Jesus. Every gospel writer records his own version of the last words of Jesus. They are all different, his words from the cross. And every Good Friday, some place around the world, some church is commemorating the cross by meditating on the seven last words of Jesus, or singing some oratorio featuring the seven last words.

Last words are important. But in the New Testament, first words are important as well. The first words of Jesus in every gospel set the theme of that gospel. It's like a mission statement, a thesis statement for the sto…