1. The Last Words of Jesus “Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit” Luke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

2. We have been examining the last words of Jesus. Last words are usually significant, so we have been examining the last words spoken by our Lord before his death. In doing so, I think we have discovered this his last words were intentional and had great meaning. We now come to the last statement made by Jesus, “into your hands I commit my spirit.”

3. The Nature of Jesus’ Last Words Note that the seven utterances of Jesus were not cries of despair, mindless whimpers, or cries of rage. Rather each one gives us insight into his character, purpose, and nature. Love, forgiveness, sacrifice, hope, accomplishment...all these sentiments were expressed in the last words of Jesus. Forgive them, Father! They know not what they do." "I tell you this: Today you will be in Paradise with me." "Woman, here is your son." "Here is your mother.“ "Elo-i, elo-i, lama sabach-thani?" "I thirst." "It is finished." "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!"

4. Jesus Laid His Life Down Jesus gave up his life because he willed it, when he willed it, and as he willed it. Many threats were made against him –A prophet in his hometown (Luke 4:28-30) –It was known the rulers wanted Him dead (John 7:25, 44-46 ) –Jesus was in constant danger (John 10:31, 39) Luke 4:28-30 28 And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; 29 and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, He went His way. John 7:25 So some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill? John 7:44-46 Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. 45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why did you not bring Him?" 46 The officers answered, " Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks." John 10:31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him John 10:39 Therefore they were seeking again to seize Him, and He eluded their grasp

5. Jesus Laid His Life Down Jesus gave up his life because He willed it, when He willed it, and as He willed it. Many threats were made against him Jesus laid down His life. It was not “taken” from Him. (John 10:17-18). These words were not simply his sense of life slipping away, but rather his own determination that this was the proper moment to lay down his life in obedience to the Father’s plan. Compare Jesus’s statement with Stephen’s (Acts 7:59). John 10:17-18 "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 " No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." Luke 23:46 “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT” Acts 7:59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"

6. More Than Flesh The Bible teaches that the body without the spirit is dead (James 2:26) But nowhere does it teach that the spirit without the body is dead. Eternal life, even after death, should be a sobering thought! (Matthew 10:28). James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead Matt 10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

7. Scripture On His Lips Is it surprising to note that the last words of Jesus were Scripture (Psalm 31:5) Scripture was his defense all through his life - “It is written,” “Have you not read?” and “Search the Scriptures Ps 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth

8. Jesus taught us how to live and He taught us how to die (1 Peter 2:21). Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Proverbs 11:7 - When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perish 1 Peter 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,