The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to the Christian faith. Jesus was crucified as a propitiation (1John 2:1,2) to our sins; He paid the price so our lives could be saved. Thus salvation was given as a gift from God; made free for all who believed in the deity of Jesus; by grace we have been saved through faith (Eph 2:8,9). Jesus spoke seven phrases through His suffering on the cross before giving up His life. The crucifixion of Jesus is recorded in all the four gospel books of the Bible. All seven phrases though are found distributed in different gospels. Here we study the last three phrases.
5. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” - John 19:28.
Crucifixion is the worst and most gruesome form of death; it was so 2000 years ago and it still is today. During the rule of the Roman Empire, it was awarded only to the worst of the worst criminals and rebels. A harsh punishment awarded to those whom they wanted to be shamed in public, to make an example of, and dissuade potential rebels. Pilate did not find anything in Jesus that would make Him guilty for crucifixion. However, he succumbed to pressure from the Jewish elders who would settle for nothing less than a public crucifixion for Jesus. It was not easy on Jesus either; to go through a grueling death though He was the son of the most high God. He had to endure the same level of pain and suffering; just as any other human being would have. One of the phrases He uttered during this suffering was “I thirst” which again signifies that in every way He was as human as He was divine.
6. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. - John 19:30
Adam and Eve rebelled against God and committed sin by being disobedient by partaking the forbidden fruit. Future generations were born in sin by one man’s disobedience (Romans 5:12-21). Without the shedding of the blood, there is no provision for remission of sins; that is the law. Almighty Lord our Father is a just God and there is no deviation in the way He executes justice (Heb 9:22). Man can never pay for his sins and therefore it was God’s plan to send Jesus as an atonement for the sins of mankind. Jesus took birth as the Son of Man in this world to pay the price for the redemption of our sins. Having carried all our inequities, the curses, the diseases and everything to the cross He paid a big price for the redemption of our sins. When He was through it all, having accomplished the purpose of shedding His blood for the inequities of mankind Jesus declared “It is finished”. It is on His finished work, the death on the Cross and resurrection, the victory over death and sin on the Cross, that the Christian faith rests.
7. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. - Luke 23:46
Jesus, son of God came from the Father through virgin birth to preach repentance and redemption. He completed his mission on the earth in complete and willing obedience to the Father, Almighty God, according to the divine plan and appointment. The divine plan was His condemnation, suffering and death on the Cross. At the end of it all Jesus committed His life to the Father with these last words “ Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” demonstrating His complete obedience to God the Father.
Life on earth takes a physical form and ends with death. But the spirit lives on. Upon death, the spirit of those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior abides with Jesus in heaven for eternity. This is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Scriptures teach us (1 John 5:11-13). Those who don’t believe in Jesus will spend their eternity in condemnation. Don’t delay your reconciliation with God; don’t keep it for the last. The end is near and now is a good time to take this wise step. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior; a decision you will never regret. May God bless you.