What is the meaning of Luke 23:46? Then Jesus called out in a loud voice – The volume matters. Even after brutal scourging and hours on the cross, Jesus musters a “loud voice,” showing He remains in sovereign control over His life (John 10:17-18). – The cry was public, audible, and intentional, so nearby witnesses could testify later (Mark 15:39). – This loud proclamation fulfills Psalm 22:22, where the Messiah declares God’s name “to My brothers” in the assembly. – It also counters any notion that Jesus’ death was a slow fading; He consciously chose the exact moment (John 19:30). Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit. – Jesus addresses God as “Father,” reaffirming the intimacy first voiced at age twelve (Luke 2:49) and last echoed here. – He quotes Psalm 31:5 verbatim, embracing the Scripture He inspired, applying David’s words to Himself in final trust. – Committing His spirit underscores that death is not the loss of control; Christ entrusts His immaterial being to the Father, confident of resurrection (Acts 2:25-28). – The line teaches believers the proper place for their own spirits at death (Acts 7:59; 2 Corinthians 5:8). – Hands symbolize security and power (John 10:28-29), so Jesus places Himself where no enemy can follow. And when He had said this, He breathed His last. – The text affirms a real, physical death, satisfying the penalty for sin (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24). – “Breathed His last” marks the conclusion of His earthly mission; the veil will tear immediately after (Luke 23:45; Hebrews 10:19-22). – No further words are needed. His finished work stands (John 19:30). – The deliberate sequence—cry, committal, final breath—demonstrates that Jesus is both willing sacrifice and reigning Lord (Philippians 2:8-11). summary Luke 23:46 reveals Jesus consciously, confidently, and publicly entrusting Himself to the Father, fulfilling prophecy, displaying authority over His own life, and accomplishing redemption through a real death. His loud cry, filial trust, and voluntary final breath assure us that the cross was no accident but the perfect, sovereign plan of God for our salvation. |
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