The Seven Words from the Savior on the Cross: Trust 2

Jesus’ spoken words from the cross emphasize the truths of forgiveness ("Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  Luke 23:34), hope ("Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:43), love (“Woman, behold your son; behold your mother.” John 19:26-27), atonement (Matthew 27:45-49), humanity and victory (John 19:28-30) and finally, trust (Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30).

John 19:

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Having said this, He breathed His last.” Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30.

As each gospel shares, Jesus’ concluding cry occurred after three hours of darkness came over the land. If followed six previous statements by the Savior. It is Luke’s gospel which specifically records Jesus’ final cry.

The ninth hour (3:00 p.m.) had arrived. The temple curtain, separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, was torn in two.  This signified that atonement had been accomplished and Jesus alone removed the barrier between God and sinful man. The Book of Hebrews comments, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22 ESV).

It is at this moment that Luke records Jesus final words. Jesus spoke with a loud voice. He articulated specific words. The words He spoke were “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Jesus cried out to God the Father. He is the Father of the stars, the heavenly luminaries, because he is their creator, upholder, and ruler. He is the Father of all rational and intelligent beings, whether angels or men, because he is their creator, preserver, guardian and protector. He is the Father of all spiritual beings and of all men. He is the Father Christians, as those who through Christ have been exalted to an especially close and intimate relationship with God, and who no longer dread him as a stern judge of sinners, but revere him as their reconciled and loving Father.

However, He is also the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, as one whom God has united to himself in the closest bond of love and intimacy, made acquainted with his purposes, appointed to explain and carry out among men the plan of salvation, and made to share also in his own divine nature.

It is into the Father Hands, control and power that Jesus commends his spirit. The word commend or commit means to entrust one’s soul to one who is responsible, dependable and worshipful. Jesus’ cry was a cry of voluntary surrender. Jesus commits His intellect, emotions and will unto God the Father’s loving care.

Following this moment, Jesus breathed His last breath. The moment fulfills that statement found in Psalm 33:1-5. “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.” (Psalm 31:1-5 ESV).

This text was used by the Jews as an evening prayer. What it retains. The Savior died the only kind of death that was able to satisfy the justice of God and to save man. It had to be a voluntary sacrifice. See John 10:11-18. What it adds. The word “Father.” Intimate relationship between the Son of God and God the Father. What it omits. The phrase “you have redeemed me.” In the case of the Christ, the Sinless One, no such redemption was necessary nor even possible. Rather, redemption was accomplished by the Christ on the sinner’s behalf. Soli deo Gloria!