Jesus’ first words on the cross were a prayer for others – a prayer for their forgiveness. Jesus’ final words on the cross were a prayer for himself: 

"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 23:46)

 These words are from a Psalm written by David:

"Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth." (Psalm 31:5)

Marshal, in his commentary on Luke tells us that this passage was part of an evening prayer used daily by devout Jews.

Notice the loud voice -- scarcely what one would expect from a man about to die. But Jesus seems determined that his final words be heard. His words are firm and confident. We will examine three aspects of this Seventh Word.

1. Intimacy With God The Father
2. Trust In God The Father
3. Surrender to God The Father

From Jesus’ final words, we learn that in his deity, Jesus had complete and sole control over his death. He laid down his life and He rose again from the dead. He bore the cross so that He could be our Saviour. He dismissed his spirit in full confidence in his Father and the future.

Getting Started

1. The passage we are studying, teaches us about the death of Jesus. Can you remember your first funeral that you attended? What was your experience? 

Read Luke 23:44-49

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. What is the meaning of the curtain of the temple being torn in two? (Luke 23:45b)

4. What does Jesus mean when he says, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46)? Why does this saying comfort us so much?

5. To put yourself in someone else’s hands is to express confidence. How do these final words of Jesus express His confidence in His Father and in the future?

The Heart of the Matter

6. What would you have felt like had you witnessed Jesus' crucifixion --  if you didn't know the next chapter in the story?

7. Why is faith so important during the dark chapters of our lives? What does it take to shake off the numbness and depression and take hold of that faith once more?

8. How does the lesson we have learned that we are saved by God's grace and not by our own goodness, encourage you when you stumble and fall?