7th Last Word of Jesus

Introduction

The final word that Jesus spoke on the cross is found in:

Luke 23:46 “46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”

With this prayer, Jesus expresses his trust and submission to God’s sovereign will before laying down his life for our sins.

It is a model for us, his followers, to imitate as we face both the struggles and difficulties, and also the joys and pleasures of life.

And from these final words that Jesus spoke on the cross, we can learn something important about the character of God’s sovereign will!

This is because Jesus opens up the prayer with, “Father, into your hands...”

Into your Hands...

Which is especially poignant considering the fact that Jesus, throughout his passion has been handled by many “hands”...

He had been handled by the hands of Judas, who betrayed him, the crowds with the pharisees who arrested him, and the soldiers who tortured and crucified him...

And yet, Jesus was most concerned about God’s hands… Why is that?

You may be familiar with the old children’s song that goes like this...

He’s got the whole world in his hands

He’s got the whole world in his hands

He’s got the whole world in his hands

He’s got the whole world in his hands

It’s such a simple song, and yet the implication is profound as often, in the Bible, the word “hand” is used to indicate God’s power, care and protection.

Consider for example, the following verses:

Psalm 110:1 “1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.””

1 Peter 5:6 “6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,”

Clearly in God’s hands is the safest place to be.

Father...

And to whom is this powerful care and protection of God available?

Well, the Bible is clear. We who profess Jesus as our Lord and Saviour have this privilage of calling God our father!

As it says in John 1:12–13 “12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

And in 1 John 3:1... “1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

This the Character of God’s will! It is the powerful, loving care and protection of a father!

And just as Jesus submitterd himself into the Father’s hands at his dying moments, so too can we submit our pain and sorrow, brokenness and sin… as well our joy and pleasure, hopes and dreams… to our father in heaven!

J.I. Packer puts it beautifully:

“To those who are Christ’s, the holy God is a loving Father; they belong to his family; they may approach him without fear and always be sure of his fatherly concern and care.”

Moment of Silence

And now, we will take a moment to be silent together.

Let us pause collectively to mourn and contemplate the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In our quiet reflection and amidst the darkness, may we embrace stillness and endeavor to comprehend the significance of the cross.

Lord Jesus, grant us insight into this profound mystery. Receive our silent devotion at this moment.

Benediction

Romans 15:13 “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”