“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46
Our Savior’s final words are not just random utterings from a weary, worn-out dying man.
Just as in life, each word was carefully crafted. Just as in life, his thoughts were more for others than himself.
Just as in life, at His death, Jesus was leaving us an example of how to live our lives triumphantly.
Of all the great paradoxes Jesus used in his teaching during his lifetime, here we see him living out one of the hardest for us to grasp.
The idea of servant leadership is presented to us for the first time as Jesus answers the mother of James and John who wished for her sons to take the prominent spot beside Jesus in heaven.
As the disgruntled 10 remaining disciples listen in, he tells her and her sons, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Though it would take several years before the disciples really got a handle on these words, we see John the Baptist came to a quick understanding.
When his followers became upset that Jesus was baptizing people and gathering many followers, John explained to them, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Jesus lived these words out during his years on earth. Who could forget the scene at the Lord’s supper when Peter at first refused to have his feet washed by Jesus.
Peter knew that was an act only a servant would do, and he knew Jesus was far greater than a servant. However, Jesus again explains to all his disciples how a true leader is led by a servant’s heart.
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
It is fitting then, that at his death we see one last example of Christ’s humble spirit and servant heart.
He had already humbled himself by coming down from his throne and taking on human flesh. Yet in one last great symbolic gesture, he shows us once again His great love for us by humbling himself all the way to and even after death.
"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit."
In his study notes on this verse, John MacArthur highlights the fact that, even though he was human, Christ was always in control of both his life and his death. His divinity was never minimalized, even on the cross.
Jesus made this very clear in his teachings. In John 10:17-18, He tells the Jews, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
So we can assess then, from these words, that right before Christ spoke that last phrase, He had determined that His mission here on earth was complete.
His blood had been shed, the world’s sin debt had been paid. This chapter of his journey was over.
At this point, Jesus could have said or done…anything.
He could have rained down fire and brimstone on the men who put him there.
That would’ve been my first thought.
He could have levitated off the cross and shot to the heavens right before their eyes.
That would’ve been kind of fun. Can you imagine their faces?
But no, not our Jesus. Not our always loving, ever humble, purely perfect Jesus.
With the same servant’s heart he led with in life, he thought only of the eternal souls of others at his death.
He had already asked forgiveness for the horrid actions of these men who had put him on the cross, and in his final breath He wished to show everyone an example of not only how they should die, but how they should live.
With his future firmly under his own control, he simply bowed His head and committed His Spirit back to God the Father.
What a lesson! What a testimony!
What a final gift to us!
With all the power of the universe at his disposal, He gave that control right back to God.
Think of that for a moment.
Jesus was still 100% God at that time, but He was also still 100% human.
He had never died a human death. He didn’t know what all that entailed.
Yes, He knew He was going to be resurrected, but what about the time between now and then?
Just because He was God didn’t keep Him from experiencing human emotions.
I’m sure he felt a bit uncertain maybe even nervous about it. And if you doubt that, think of this – even though he knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead he still wept with his family upon hearing of his death.
Yet even though he may have had some misgivings about what all the next 72 hours entailed, He had no doubt about the glorious event about to take place on Sunday.
So instead of worrying and fretting or taking matters into his own human hands, He remained our perfect example till the end.
He did what we all should do when faced with fear and uncertainty, he bowed his head and committed Himself to God.
With the assurance of His eternity, His resurrection, in mind – He gave everything else to His Father.
It was Friday, but He knew, Sunday was coming!
I have always loved that saying.
Every year around this time, it starts to pop up on social media or I’ll hear it uttered around church, and when I do, it always gives me goose bumps.
The blessedness of the eternal hope found in that one phrase electrifies my soul.
I believe Jesus felt that on the cross. As he suffered and died, I believe he kept His mind on us and the fact that very soon, humanity would be changed forever.
Though He was dying, He would not stay in the grave.
When storms come and fears swirl round, may we remember the final example of our Savior.
May we remember that whatever God’s plan is for us, it is a perfect plan forged in unconditional love. And though we may suffer for a time, if we are in Christ we will rejoice one day if we will but commit our way to Him.
No matter the trial you are facing today, or may face in the future, dear friend please remember:
It may be Friday for you now, but rest assured – your Sunday is coming!!!
Have a most blessed Resurrection Day!!
He is risen!!!