This is the final lesson in Mike’s series, “The Last Words of Jesus.”
Charles Spurgeon once said of John Bunyun, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, “the very essence of the Bible flows from him. He cannot speak without quoting a text…” His heart was full of the words of God. In similar fashion, it is not surprising that the last words of Jesus are quotations of Scripture:
“In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.
Psalm 31:1-5 (NIV)
After spending many days in the hands of sinners, suffering, Jesus’ final destination is his Father’s hands. In like manner, although life may present many difficulties, Christians rest in the hands of God.
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:44-46 (NIV)