⁴⁶And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.

The last of the seven “words” or statements Jesus said on the cross brought His life mission to a conclusion. The first six are:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46)

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. (John 19:26–27)

“It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)

We have two different accounts of Jesus’ final words, one from the apostle John and one from Luke. Were His last words just before He died “It is finished” or “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit”? The statements are not presented as exclusive but reflect each author’s purpose and perspective. They chose certain parts of Jesus’ utterances on the cross, but none of the accounts includes all of what He said. John’s gospel account is clearly thematic, only showing seven of our Lord’s miracles, leaving out many of the events of Jesus’ prolific earthly ministry. He wrote as a personally involved eyewitness. Given his emotional involvement in what he witnessed (see 1 John 1:1-4), it makes sense that John was highly selective in sharing his own experience with the Lord. Luke’s account, on the other hand, was not as an eyewitness himself but he reflects careful research with many interviews of those who were eyewitnesses. In his own words, he laid out his investigative methodology:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1–4)

So, in Luke’s consecutive order of events, he inserts details from other eyewitnesses besides John. He focuses on Jesus’ submission to the Father and now, at the cross, His mission is completed, fulfilled. He came to do what He was sent to do. The sin problem that has hamstrung creation since the Garden of Eden found its final, all-embracing, and all-inclusive resolution. Jesus’ work is finished, and now He presents Himself to the Father, entrusting Him with the results. The second member of the Trinity is now done with His role in saving the world by officiating the perfect sacrifice, namely presenting the spotless Lamb of God—Himself. He was both a priest and sacrifice. And now He puts it all before the Father, the first person of the Trinity. The Father was and is and continues to be pleased with the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the word. It was very good!

Lord, thank You that there is nothing else to add to that which is completed. What a blessing to know that Your work of salvation in my life is finished and secure. I praise You, my wonderful Savior!