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.

“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)

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)

“I am thirsty.” (John 19:28)

“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 “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. 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 John’s emotional involvement in what he witnessed (see 1 John 1:1-4), it makes sense that he was highly selective in sharing his experience with the Lord. Luke’s account, although he was not an eyewitness, reflects careful research with many interviews of those who were eyewitnesses. In his own words, he laid out his investigative methodology as he introduced his gospel account to one Theophilus, who scholars suggest was his patron or benefactor:

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 the events, he inserted details from other eyewitnesses besides John. These, along with a few editorial notes, are found only in Luke’s record:

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:44-46)

The significance of our Lord’s words focuses on His submission to the Father—Jesus came to do the Father’s will (John 6:38, Heb. 10:7). And now His mission is completed, fulfilled. He came to do what the Father sent Him to do. The sin problem that has hamstrung creation since the Garden of Eden has found its final, all-embracing, and all-inclusive resolution. Jesus’ work is finished, and now He presents His work 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, presenting the spotless Lamb of God—Himself. He was both priest and sacrifice. And now He puts it all before the Father, the first person of the Trinity. And the Father was and is pleased and satisfied 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 complete in Christ. What a blessing to know that Your work of salvation in my life is complete and secure. I praise You, my wonderful Savior!