Scripture
Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. Luke 27:50

Observation
The toughest moment of the crucifixion saga was not the haranguing in court, the flogging, the mocking, the nails, and the jeers. What comes through in the story of Golgotha as the most costly moment is Jesus’ final surrender of his spirit.

Just before he made the choice to exit his body, Jesus agonized about the absence of his Father. Feeling nothing, seeing nothing, hearing nothing, Jesus released by choice his soul from his body. That was the Master’s greatest act of faith. How would his Father respond after he had carried the sin of the whole world? Easter Sunday that is so obvious to us now, was not as certain then.

Application
There are moments in life when God can seem far away. Jeers, fears and tears can seem our closest friends. Jesus set for us an example to follow of total abandonment to the power and purposes of the Father. If Jesus could jump into eternity and be caught by the resurrection power of his Father, then we can safely lose our lives and find them again.

Prayer
Father, this day I give you my spirit. Amen.