We come now to our seventh and final lesson on Jesus' last words. We've drawn near to the cross, leaned in, listened, sorrowed, and rejoiced, considering the final words of our Savior. Today, as we listen to the final words of Jesus, we will learn how applying the cross of Christ to our life changes everything for us, including death.
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. They went there to pray, but the disciples in their weakness could only sleep. So, Jesus poured out His heart alone. His anguish was so intense that His sweat became like drops of blood, but there was no one to comfort Him or wipe His brow in His time of need. Three times Jesus woke the disciples, but they had no words of consolation for Him (Mark 14:40). Finally, Jesus said, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Mark 14:41 And Mark records that immediately Jesus was betrayed by Judas, abandoned by His disciples, seized, and taken before the high priest.
Jesus was betrayed “into the hands of sinners” not reluctantly but intentionally. He woke His disciples saying, “Let’s go!” He went to meet His betrayer as One eager to answer the call on His life. Jesus committed to the agonies and abuse of the cross for us, His Bride, as eagerly as Jacob worked for His beloved Rachel (Genesis 29:21-30). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus committed Himself into the hands of sinners to do the work He was sent to do - the atoning, saving, sanctifying, life-transforming, love-displaying work of Calvary!
But after Jesus finished the work He had to do on the cross, there were new hands to receive Him. Hands that Jesus had trusted before the foundations of the world.
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.” Luke 23:46
Can you feel the calm strength and the confident control of our Lord at this moment? There is no slipping away quietly for our Savior. He is the Hero willingly giving His life to rescue us, His damsel in distress! And, as the victor, He committed His Spirit into the hands of the Father who loved Him and approved of the beautiful, glorious, saving, and sanctifying work He had done.
“For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." John 10:17-18
Question 1. According to John 10:17-18, why does the Father love the Son?
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The Father, Son, and Spirit were in loving agreement about the necessary means to save us and make us a Bride fit for a King. They each had a part to play in our redemption, and They executed Their plan flawlessly. As always, They worked in perfect harmony doing all that They said They would. The Son was offered (Genesis 22:6-14), the Bride was created (Genesis 2:21-23), the way of restoration was forged (Isaiah 43:19), and eternal, perfect, and sacrificial Love was enacted, displayed and proven (Hosea 3:1).
And, in consummate agreement and eternal joy, They have lavished their perfect love on us through the cross of Christ! “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:10
The fact that Christ's life was not taken, but rather given, powerfully assures us of His eternal love for us. There is no greater love than this: "that someone lay down His life for His friends" (John 15:13).
Question 2. How is your heart affected by the sacrificial love of Jesus, who willingly laid down His life for you?
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Wendy's answer to the above question shows her heart being warmed by the love of Jesus:
"He really must love me very very much if He went through all that so I could enjoy His love for me, His security, His forgiveness, His companionship, and a lot more. He didn't have to but chose to do it for me! Wow! It warms my heart to know how Jesus loves me!"