Into Your Hands Series

Today we will finish up looking at the seven final sayings Jesus made on the cross. As we look in the context of the story of God’s love for us, our need for Him, and his plan to redeem us, we see the heart of the Savior.

So Far >>

“Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)

The Big Idea: Christ gives us the example of forgiveness.

Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

The Big Idea: It’s never too late for God’s mercy and grace.

Woman, behold your son. John, here is your mother. (John 19:26-27)

The Big Idea: Christ demonstrates his compassion in the midst of our pain.

Three hours of darkness

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:45-46)

The Big Idea: Christ was abandoned so we might be adopted.

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

The Big Idea: Christ experienced thirst on the cross so ours might be quenched.

"It is finished." (John 19:30)

The Big Idea: Christ paid my debt in full.

This week >> the seventh and final statement Jesus made on the cross

Luke 23:44-46 NIV

"It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 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."

Matt 27:50-53 NIV

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."

The death of Christ was, literally, an earth-shattering event. His birth split the heavens and as God became man, the angels sang and proclaimed the arrival of the Messiah – the Deliverer. At his death, there were no angels singing, no wise men bearing gifts. In fact, most of those closest to him had deserted him. Yet, in his death, he brought life. His death brought the earth to life. The ground shook and the rocks split. His death brought the Holy Place to life as the curtain was split from top to bottom. His death brought the dead to life as many were raised from their burial places. His death conquered death – overpowered it – crushed it – dominated it.

In this last cry from the cross, we see an incredible event take place and one final important glimpse at the heart of the Savior.

The timing:

This comes literally moments after he utters the statement, “It is finished.” Now that payment has been made and the atonement is complete, he utters his final statement, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

The statement:

Quote from Psalm 31:5

Into your hands I commit my spirit…

It was a prayer recognizing that God alone is our protector, our refuge, and our deliverer. It acknowledged that God was in control suffering and anguish.

Now, on the cross, with his dying breath, Jesus prays the same thing

Father…

Once again he is addressing his Father. Not the holy and just God that demands that sin be atoned for, but his Father. The one with whom he has existed since eternity past. The one who loved mankind so much that they worked out this deal to redeem his wayward creation.

Into your hands …

God’s hands represent:

Creativity / blessing / faithfulness / justice / healing

His hands can measure the oceans and seas, hold the winds, and set the boundaries of space.

“Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?” Prov 30:4 NIV

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?” Isa 40:12 NIV

In the hands of God we find justice and a place of trust.

“The works of his hands are faithful and just…” Ps 111:7 NIV

What place can one commit themselves that is safer or more secure? Where could you go that you would be more protected from storms of life or the attacks of the enemy, than the hands of God. What better place when the boss comes in … the doctor comes in … spouse comes in … loss of a dream

“No one can snatch [my sheep] away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29 NLT