Luke 23:46 – Jesus’ Last Words

“Then Jesus shouted, ‘Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!’ And with those words he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46)

What do we learn from Jesus’ last words? He trusted God, his Father, to the very end. We can’t even begin to imagine the agony Jesus went through for us. Yet through it all, he stayed true to God. Before his ministry even started, the devil tried to derail Jesus’ mission. Jesus overcame so many of the tests we face as humans. Jesus “shouted” these words as if there was an unspoken exclamation point.

Context: Chapter 23 of Luke covers a lot of ground from Jesus’ trial before Pilate, to the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. All the events we, as Christians, remember on Good Friday. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard children ask, why is it “good” if Jesus died? They bring up a very good point.

What’s good is what Jesus accomplished by his sacrificial act. His mission had always been leading to this moment. His mission was accomplished, and he had saved the world. That’s a good thing for us sinners, isn’t it? How does it make you feel to know that the slate is clean and your sins have been forgiven? That’s a very good thing, indeed.

It’s still hard for us to process the depth of love Jesus had for us and all of humanity. Even if we can relate to a degree because we’ve had loved ones we’ve sacrificed for, the miracle Jesus accomplished that day was only the beginning. What happens next will be an even bigger deal for us and those who follow Jesus.

You recall the scene that day on Golgotha’s hill, don’t you? It was only noon, but darkness had fallen on the land as if all of heaven was mourning. Jesus had all but been deserted by his followers. Those who were there stood at a distance. Can we blame them? The fear must have been unbearable when coupled with the grief and loss of their friend, teacher, rabbi.

But Jesus was so much more than that. Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, King of all kings. And now he had just breathed his last breath this side of death. We know there is more yet to come, but his followers weren’t so sure. Jesus had told them, but their understanding was limited in that moment.

Jesus’ last words would have given in to such a sweet release as his spirit rejoined God. Jesus had endured so much in these final hours–the pain of a beating, being nailed to the cross, and also hearing the taunts of onlookers. Yet forgiveness remained on his lips. Jesus asked the Father to forgive the people because they didn’t understand what they were doing.

That’s an interesting request. What was it the people were missing? Was it that they were killing Jesus because that had been the plan all along? Was it that they were simply sinful people who had made bad choices that day? Just as Jesus pleaded their case that day, he stands before God on our behalf, too.

His spirit is joined with the Almighty God, and he is now beside us in spirit guiding us and leading us on this journey of life. That is good news we can cling to.

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for what you did for me that day on the cross. You took each of my sins with you so that I would be cleansed. I can’t begin to express my gratitude and great love for you. I feel alive in you, capable of doing so much to further your kingdom here on earth. Help me to make the right choices and always look to you as the leader of my life. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.