Luke 23:46 - The Seventh Word from the Cross

 

The four different Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John--all tell the story of Jesus Christ. The first three in particular share many of the same details. But just like different reporters will highlight different details of a news story, the Gospel accounts will vary in perspective and content.

Trying to harmonize the final words of Jesus from the cross is not always exact.

But coordinating the accounts by John and Luke we understand that Jesus received sour wine from the soldiers, and then said, "It is finished." (John 19:30)

After that, Luke records that, “... Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.' Having said this, He breathed His last.” (Luke 23:46, NASB95)

We've all been aghast, disgusted, and angry to hear of a child being abandoned. How could parents totally disregard the well being of their own flesh and blood?

Imagine a child being dropped off in the middle of a forest or a desert. The child runs after the car in tears as their mother drives away. Would that child readily trust their mom in the middle of such trauma? Would they be able to peacefully resting in her arms?

Jesus had been abandoned by His own Father. Knowing beforehand that it would happen and why it would happen didn't reduce the sting of being utterly cut off from a loving relationship.

Earlier, Jesus quoted Psalm 22: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" But now He quoted from Psalm 31. The psalm begins:
"(1) In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge... (3) You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me."

Jesus quotes from verse 5:

"Into Your hand I commit my spirit" which continues, "You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth."

The psalm prophetically describes enemies attacking and isolating their prey, just as Jesus experienced. But there are further statements of faith and hope such as:

"(14) I trust in You, O Lord, I say, 'You are my God' ... (15) My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies ... "

The Psalm moves from personal experience to an exhortation to the reader: "(24) Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord." (NASB95)

Even as Jesus was cut off from His Father, those affirmations of trust were stirring in His heart and mind. This, too, was part of what Jesus meant when He said, "It is finished."

Father in heaven, Looking to the past, our suffering is so slight compared to Jesus' crucifixion. And looking to the future, our trials are light and temporary compared to the glory of heaven (Romans 8:18) Whether it's a mild irritation or a major trauma, we know that trials are only what You allow according to Your will. (1 Corinthians 10:13) So just like Jesus did, we entrust our souls to You. (1 Peter 4:19) In His name we pray, Amen.