Read Luke 23:46 and Psalm 31:5
“Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Psalm 31:5)
In seminary in the 1980’s, we were taught that one of a pastor’s most important tasks was to “teach people how to die a good death.” In my career, I ended up walking with hundreds of people down that path, preparing them to “meet their Maker,” sometimes sitting with them as they breathed their last. Some of these deaths were indeed “good,” displaying faith, courage, and peace, inspiring everyone around them. Others were filled with self-centered bitterness, anger, and resentment—often driving their loved ones away.
At this boundary between this life and eternity, I often wondered how I would face my own death. I remember the testimony of a Catholic priest friend, who when faced by an armed robber, said “Go ahead and shoot—I’ll see Jesus that much sooner!” (The shocked rogue put his weapon down). I knew I wasn’t that eager to see Jesus. I loved this life! I had so many things I wanted to do here. Trading it for the unknown promises of life with God was something I wasn’t ready for.
Decades later, I’m still not totally ready! But I’m inspired by how Jesus faced His death. He lived His entire ministry vividly aware of it (think of all those times John records Him talking about His upcoming “hour”). That awareness didn’t make Him gloomy, but purposeful and engaged. And when it came time for Him to face His own death, He did it by praying the psalms (22 & 63), choosing Psalm 31:5 for His last words.
By changing “the Lord” to “Father,” He helps me to see that death opens the door to the infinite love that I longed for but never received from my earthly father. I then picture Jesus visualizing His Father’s hands holding Him, His name written on them (Isaiah 49:16), and picture those same hands with my name on them, holding me. And as Jesus commits to the Father His ‘spirit,’ I pray for the grace to live each day doing the same: letting go of the desire to grab and cling to this life, and opening my heart and trusting that this life I love will not only be preserved but perfected, and God will surprise me with wonder and love and beauty beyond my imagination.
For Reflection:
- In what ways can Jesus’ death guide and encourage you as you contemplate your own death?
By Jay Thorson
Family Talk: Good Friday
Object Lesson: Two Candles, one lit and one unlit
- Young children: How are these candles different? How are they alike? Let the child blow out the candle. (All kids will want a turn; be prepared to relight!) Then, ask: What happens when the flame goes out?
- Older kids: How does a flame make a candle seem to be “alive”? Carefully move the candle through the air, and let kids observe the flicker of the flame as you move it. Let kids blow out the candle. Ask: What happens after the flame goes out? How does this room look and feel different now that the candle is out?
Say
Today’s Bible reading includes the last words that Jesus said before He died on the Cross. Jesus brought the light and warmth of God’s love to the world. It was like the flame of a candle. So, on the day Jesus died, the sky was darkened, as though the flame had been snuffed out.
Read
Luke 23:44-46. Relight a candle as you read, then blow it out to symbolize Jesus’ death.
Connect
Even though it was the middle of the afternoon on the day that Jesus died, the sky was dark as midnight. An earthquake rumbled through the land, even splitting rocks open! The great curtain in the Temple ripped from top to bottom! What caused all this shaking and tearing? Jesus’ quiet words, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit.” These words were simple, but they changed everything! Jesus had completed His mission, and had paid the price. He had obeyed His Father’s plan completely, and now, He was giving up His life. No one took His life; He chose to go to the cross and was now offering up His physical life to the Father. We understand that this was all a part of God’s good plan, but to all Jesus’ disciples, it felt like only darkness remained.
Family Storytelling:
- Parents: What difference does Jesus’ death on the Cross make in your life?
- Kids: We started off Lent talking about feelings, so let’s end Lent in the same way. How does this story of Jesus’ death make you feel? What is the mood of the story? What do you want to say to Jesus about dying for you, for all of us? (Facilitate a time for kids to pray silently, or to draw/write their prayer to Jesus.)