By Pastor Chad Meeks
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.’ Saying this, he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:44-46
The death of Jesus is the best and worst event to ever take place in the history of mankind. The innocent Son of God murdered on a cross. What a bleak day that must have been for all who followed Jesus. The Messiah of the world, killed by unrighteous men.
Jesus’ last words are important. Notice that He declares, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” His last declaration before His death was one of triumph. How so? Well, He didn’t say, “Father, I was killed against my will. I didn’t want to die, but I could not escape the hands of my executioners.” No, He surrendered His life on the cross. In John 10:18, Jesus says, “No one takes my life from me, I lay it down on my own.” He laid down His life for us. It may be hard to believe, but as Jesus was being crucified, everything was still under His complete control.
Let’s not get too carried away here. Jesus didn’t commit suicide. He was killed, but He willingly gave up His life. It was a planned execution, but a murder nonetheless.
On this Good Friday of Holy Week, I encourage you to think on this reality:
Jesus surrendered His life so I may live. He satisfied the wrath of God so that I may fellowship with God. He gave up His life because–in our sinful state–we were without hope.
As His tomb was sealed, His executioners thought that was the last they would see of Jesus of Nazareth. They were unaware He died for them. He died so that all who repent and believe may be saved–even His murderers. Furthermore, they were completely oblivious to the fact that: Sunday was coming.