March 25, 2018

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST

“Father, Into Your Hands, I Commit My Spirit”

Isaiah 31:5; Luke 23:44-46

Sermon Notes

1. These words are accompanied by the tearing of the temple c____________.

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” Luke 23:44,45.  

2. Jesus then utters a prayer often spoken by Jewish c____________?

Psalm 31:5 “Into your hands I commit my spirit;”

A Common Children’s Prayer:

“Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.”  

3. His statement reflects an act that has finally been c_____________.

No longer the hands of men; Luke 9:44; Luke 18:32; Luke 20:20; Luke 22:53

4. Jesus does not surrender to death but surrenders his spirit to this world’s c_________.

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

“Stephen prayed; “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59

5. A new curtain has been opened for us, namely the body of C_________.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” Hebrews 10:19-24

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Small group Questions

1. What do you suppose the tearing of the temple curtain signified?

2. Have we lost a sense of the “holiness of God” in our world day?

3. What prayers do you remember being taught as a child?

4. Read Psalm 31 and reflect on how you take heart in your hope in the Lord?

5. What is the comfort in surrendering your spirit to this world’s creator?

6. How are you able to come to God’s throne in prayer with confidence?

7. Have you ever used these last words as a last prayer with someone?