Which Old Testament scriptures connect with Jesus' words in Luke 23:46? Luke 23:46 in Focus “Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ And when He had said this, He breathed His last.” (Luke 23:46) Key Old Testament Connection: Psalm 31 • Psalm 31:5 — “Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.” • David, surrounded by enemies, models absolute trust in God’s covenant faithfulness. • Jesus adopts David’s words, affirming their prophetic depth and fulfilling them in the climactic moment of redemption. Why Psalm 31 Fits Perfectly 1. Language Match – Exact wording on committing one’s spirit into God’s hands. 2. Covenant Trust – Both David and Jesus rely on God’s “truth” (Heb. emet) and redeeming power. 3. Vindication Theme – Psalm 31 moves from distress to confident praise (vv. 7–8). – Jesus looks beyond the Cross to resurrection vindication. Additional Old Testament Echoes • Ecclesiastes 12:7 — “The dust returns to the ground from which it came, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” – Affirms the Creator’s rightful claim over the human spirit. • Isaiah 53:12 — “He poured out His life unto death…” – Highlights the voluntary surrender of life for transgressors. • Psalm 22:24 — “He has not hidden His face from the afflicted but has listened to his cry for help.” – Completes the movement from anguish (Psalm 22:1, fulfilled earlier on the Cross) to confident assurance, mirrored in Jesus’ final words. Implications for Understanding Jesus’ Death • Voluntary Surrender – His life was not taken; He laid it down (John 10:17-18). • Perfect Trust – Even in death, the Son’s relationship with the Father is unbroken. • Fulfilled Prophecy – The Psalms are not merely ancient poetry; they foreshadow the Messiah’s passion with precision. Takeaways for Today • Scripture Interlocks – Old and New Testaments harmonize, reinforcing confidence in every word. • Assurance in Surrender – Like David—and supremely like Jesus—believers entrust body and spirit to the Father’s faithful hands. • Resurrection Hope – Because the Father received the Son’s spirit, He also raised His body (Acts 2:24). That same power guarantees our future resurrection (1 Corinthians 6:14). |
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