Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Luke 23:35-46 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Luke 23:46

On this day between Christ’s Death and Resurrection my eyes are directed to Our Lord’s last words on the Cross: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

It speaks powerfully to me of the union of the Trinity that both Christ’s first words in His public ministry and His last were a conversation between Him, God the Son, and God the Father. Following His Baptism we read, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17 & Mark 1:11).

A persons last words have a great weight behind them, more so for someone who has followers.

God the Son’s last words to His Father, the final prayer of Jesus to God the Father, is a prayer of obedience. How often in our prayers do we lobby God for the outcome we want to the situation we are facing. If we were to follow Jesus we would offer up the situation to God and let Him come up with the right answer to our prayer.

The onlookers at the foot of the cross would have thought this was the end no good solution could come of this painful death. Yet God knew better. This was God’s plan to wipe away suffering and break down the gates of death for ever. It was for this that God became Incarnate. This was always the plan—we need to trust that God has a plan for us and not try to suggest a better solution to Him through our prayers but allow Him to do His work in and through us.

I end where I begun. The Letter to the Hebrews (9.14) says “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God”. This makes it clear that although Jesus is speaking these words the whole Trinity is acting in Union in this final and greatest of acts.

Let us pray: Father may I always trust in you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Amen ( based on Proverbs 3.5).

The Revd Canon Mark Soady, Rector of Rufford & Tarelton.