Read: Luke 23:46
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, 
said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
As we come to Jesus’ final words from the cross, the sun’s light has failed and the curtain in the temple has been torn in two from top to bottom. The inner curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It was a curtain that kept all but the High Priest from entering the holiest place where God manifested his presence. The curtain’s tearing means the way had been opened between humans and God. Now, God’s presence will not only be in his temple, but will rest upon all who are filled with his Holy Spirit.
As this happens, Jesus cries out. Normally a person nearing death on a cross would have hardly enough breath, let alone strength, to cry out in a loud voice. But Jesus does. His declaration is a word of surrender. Throughout his life, Jesus has submitted to the will of God. He has obeyed it. Now, he commits his spirit to his heavenly Father. He has accomplished what God had called him to do on the cross. Now his work is done.
After all the pain and suffering; after being forsaken and enduring the punishment for our sin; Jesus knows there is life and peace with the Father. There is hope and joy with the Father. He can commit his entire self; he can surrender his spirit. In the Father, he is in good hands.
As Jesus commits his spirit to his Father, he speaks a word of trust. He entrusts himself to the one who can care and protect him. He entrusts himself to his Father’s care. He knows there is no better place for him.
Jesus’ words are a word of intimacy. His time of desolation is coming to an end. His pain will pass. His mission has been accomplished. His life is not being taken from him, it is being offered. He offers himself for the sake of the world. For you and for me. He knows the Father’s presence. He knows the Father’s pleasure. He knows the joy that awaits him, the joy set before him.
Why are the words of Jesus, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” so comforting to so many?
In the midst of pain and suffering are you able to see the goodness of your Father?
Are you able to trust that all He is permitting will produce fruit in your life?
Are you able to “lean into” your Father who will not leave you and will never forget you?