Last Words

As Martin Luther lay dying, a pastor roused him and asked, “Reverend father, will you die steadfast in Christ and the doctrines you have preached?” Luther replied, “Yes,” then fell asleep for the last time. What a way to go! I hope my last words are equally significant. I would prefer not to die mid- sentence, ending my life on a throwaway line. I want to die like Luther, confidently affirming what matters most.

What about Jesus’ last words? The gospel of Mark says, “Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last” (15:37). Matthew agrees, “Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit” (27:50). What was this last, loud cry? Was it a shout of triumph or despair? Did it mark the lowest part of Jesus’ suffering or the start of His victory?

We do not have to guess because Luke fills in the blank. He writes, “Then Jesus shouted, ‘Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!’ And with those words he breathed his last” (23:46). John adds that Jesus also said, “ ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (19:30).

Jesus’ final cry was a painful shout of trust in God. And because His final words were infused with faith, they would not be His last. God raised Jesus, His precious Son, in triumph, as He will one day raise all who keep faith in Christ.

What would you like your last words to be? Write them down, so loved ones can read them after you’re gone. How might you reflect these last words today?

Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit—now and forever.