Jesus said seven “words” from the cross.  These words were sentences and fragments of sentences fulfilling prophecy.
  What were the two last phrases or “words” that Jesus uttered? 

(NASB) John 19:30“…‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

  Jesus knew that He had done everything that needed to be done to deliver us from our sins.  He had completed the work He was born to do.  A shepherd does that for his sheep.  He cares for them and brings them safely into the fold. 

(NASB) Luke 23:46 “And Jesus crying out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.’  Having said this, He breathed His last.” 

  Jesus said both of these phrases…and then He breathed His last and chose when to die.  He did not commit suicide.  Jesus died willingly for you and for me.  Jesus knew what His death would mean for all who believe Him and have faith in what He did on that altar of the cross. 

  At one point in the ministry of Jesus He said:
(NASB) John 10:14-18 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,
15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 ‘I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
17 ‘For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.
18 ‘No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.  This commandment I received from My Father.’” 

  The Roman governor (Pilate), the Sanhedrin (ruling religious body of the Jews), the chief priests (of the Jewish faith), even the Roman soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross – none took His life.  Jesus’ own God-given authority did it all!  

  Jesus was the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for His sheep (all who come and believe in Him). 

  It is Messiah; God’s Anointed One Who delivers anyone’s soul from death and God’s wrath.  It is Christ Jesus Who keeps His follower’s feet from stumbling.   

Jesus is the Good Shepherd ~ are you one of His sheep?