Jesus' final words: 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.' The prayer quotes Psalm 31:5, a bedtime prayer of trust. Jesus consciously, voluntarily surrendered His spirit—He wasn't killed; He laid down His life (John 10:18). The address 'Father' maintains intimate relationship even in death. 'Commend' (Greek 'paratithēmi,' παρατίθημι) means to deposit for safekeeping—Jesus entrusts His spirit to the Father's care. 'Gave up the ghost' (Greek 'exepneusen,' ἐξέπνευσεν, breathed out) indicates Jesus' voluntary death. This peaceful surrender contrasts His earlier agony, showing mission accomplished, atonement complete.
Historical Context
Jesus' quoting Psalm 31:5 showed His trust in the Father even through death. His death occurred after six hours on the cross (noon to 3pm darkness, v. 44). The centurion witnessing this declared, 'Certainly this was a righteous man' (v. 47), recognizing something extraordinary. Jesus' voluntary death fulfilled His prediction that no one takes His life from Him—He lays it down (John 10:18). The torn temple veil (v. 45) symbolized access to God opened through Jesus' death. His peaceful surrender into the Father's hands models believers' death—we entrust our spirits to God, confident of resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' voluntary surrender of His spirit teach about His death as willing sacrifice rather than tragic murder?
How does Jesus' quoting Psalm 31:5 and commending His spirit to the Father model trust for believers facing death?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' final words: 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.' The prayer quotes Psalm 31:5, a bedtime prayer of trust. Jesus consciously, voluntarily surrendered His spirit—He wasn't killed; He laid down His life (John 10:18). The address 'Father' maintains intimate relationship even in death. 'Commend' (Greek 'paratithēmi,' παρατίθημι) means to deposit for safekeeping—Jesus entrusts His spirit to the Father's care. 'Gave up the ghost' (Greek 'exepneusen,' ἐξέπνευσεν, breathed out) indicates Jesus' voluntary death. This peaceful surrender contrasts His earlier agony, showing mission accomplished, atonement complete.