His Last WeekSample

Jesus finished what he came to do with integrity. The accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion bear witness to a man who stayed on mission, knew himself, and finished strong:

Jesus stayed confident in his Father. He didn’t turn his back when his path brought him pain. Jesus kept trusting his Father's love, never allowing the fear of death to dictate his actions. His last words were: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Jesus set aside anger. A sham trial, lying witnesses, beatings, and public mocking—Jesus never indulged any indignance, pride, or anger, choosing silence over words of hate.

Jesus cared for "his people" to the end. On the cross, he connected his friend, John, and his mother, saying, "Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (John 19) Jesus kept his eye on the needs of others until the end.

Jesus kept forgiving. Even as the soldiers beat him, gambled for his clothes, and nailed him to the cross, Jesus interceded for them: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus kept saving. Jesus showed mercy to a criminal nailed to the cross next to him, who humbled himself and asked for salvation. Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus willingly served. Jesus was a willing sacrifice for the sin of the world. He agreed to pay a debt that wasn’t his and did it for the people he loved. Jesus was a man of love right up until the end.

His integrity stayed intact: lies didn’t make him a liar. Pain didn’t make him inflict pain. Hate didn’t elicit hate. Jesus knew exactly who he was and what he was doing.

How can you model the character or actions of Jesus during an ending in your life? How is your integrity being challenged right now? Remember who you are in Christ: even if you’re looking at a grave, death is never the end of your story.

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