Jesus’ Last Words
Actually Jesus’ last recorded words are in Revelation, but these are His last words prior to His ascension in to heaven. He told them that they would be baptized, not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. That had to be a pretty exciting prospect for them. It still is.
The last paragraph He spoke contains three things I want to comment on.
As exciting as the baptism of the Holy Spirit was they were more excited about knowing when the kingdom would be restored to Israel. Earlier Jesus had told them that no man knows the day or the hour. He takes it a little further here and basically says, “That’s none of your business.” It is a red herring. You have a different job. I believe the Lord is coming back and I believe the signs are many and they are present. But to know the exact time? That’s not my business, nor anyone else’s except the Father.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” That wasn’t just for those disciples who were present. Anyone who thinks they have the power to accomplish a fruitful Christian life in their own strength is totally delusional. You can quote me on that. The good news is that when the Holy Spirit comes He brings power.
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” At the most Jesus was speaking to a few dozen people when He said these words. (Though these words were to us as well, we weren’t there in person to hear them.) He spoke to a few dozen people none of whom had likely traveled over a couple hundred miles from home. He didn’t say to try. He didn’t say they might make it. He said they would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. It is claimed that Thomas went to India. If Joseph of Arimathea was there it is said that he went as far as Britain. And of course they spawned a group that has indeed gone to the ends of the earth.
No one ever spoke the way this man spoke. And these are His last words to us while still with us.
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