He Breathed His Last

HE BREATHED HIS LAST

a prayer to open

Open my eyes and help me to see you.

Open my heart and help me to know you.

Jesus, my Lord and my God.

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. . . . He was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb. . . . This was done late on Friday afternoon . . . as the Sabbath was about to begin. . . .

The women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

This darkest of days must have overwhelmed all those who had placed their hope in Jesus. Imagine having walked and eaten with him, believing he had come to put all wrong things right, and then seeing him breathe his last. Generations and generations of hope had been laid on Jesus’ shoulders, but now his healing hands were dead. Did the disciples start to remember during this time the words Jesus had spoken? He said he’d never leave them. He said he’d have to suffer. He said he would be raised again. He hadn’t ever lied to them, so maybe there was still hope.

• Look through this passage and identify the role of each person or group mentioned. What do you know about the people gathered in the area of Jesus’ crucifixion?
• What is the darkest day you have experienced? Who gathered around you and tended to you during that time? Is there someone you know who needs to be cared for right now? How might you reach out to that person in love?
• What does today’s passage reveal to you about Jesus?

Father, there is such darkness in this world. Every day holds seemingly unending stories of violence, hatred, anger, and apathy. I want to be someone who tends to the hurting and lonely, who runs to the places of darkness to bring light and hope. Give me a heart attuned to the needs of those in pain, hands that comfort, and words that speak the truth of your presence and love. And in my moments and seasons of darkness, Lord, surround me with tender souls and loving arms. Amen.