Weekly devotional
The last words someone shares with us are among the most vital messages that they ever communicate to us. Jesus is no exception to that human practice.
Matthew records the last words of Jesus as what we have commonly called “The Great Commission.” Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples by going, baptizing and teaching. We are all to make disciples in the same way.
Mark’s record of the last words of Jesus cry out the message: “Do not forget the supernatural!” We have a supernatural God. He loves us with a supernatural love. He has a supernatural existence and does supernatural things like eternally existing, creating the universe by the power of His Word, becoming a man, dying and then raising Himself from the dead. He still does supernatural things like saving, healing, restoring, reconciling, renewing, delivering and sovereignly intervening in our everyday lives.
Luke’s record of the last words of Jesus are included in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Luke recorded Christ's final sayings in terms of the connectedness of the Word and the Spirit. The Word of God and the Spirit of God are inspired, inseparable, intimately intertwined, inviolate (they do not violate each other) and invasive. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of God’s Word. Jesus said His teachings were “spirit and life.” The Word of God is a sharp, spiritual sword that can sever the soul and the spirit.
John’s record of the final words of Jesus are aimed at love and obedience, which reinforce what He had said at an earlier time, “If you love me, keep my commandments ( Jn. 14:15).” At the end of the Gospel of John, love and obedience are seen in Jesus’ dialogue with the apostle Peter. Jesus challenged Peter about his love for Himself, Jesus. Then, the Lord’s final word to Peter is, “You follow me.” In the simplicity of those few words, Jesus made an extreme challenge to Peter to live a life which could end like Jesus’ life – on a cross. In fact, the Lord foretold that would happen to Peter, and Peter later died by an upside down crucifixion.
The last and final words of the Lord Jesus expressed the things on His heart for those who would remain on the earth. What are the final words that you would say to your loved ones before leaving planet Earth?
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