Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
Last words have a tendency to be lasting words — words which stay with you — and this is certainly true with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. You will find His last words in all four Gospel accounts and also in the book of Acts. Let’s take a look at them here.
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
Jesus told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47)
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
These last words of our Lord Jesus Christ are commonly known as The Great Commission. They were delivered to His disciples shortly before He ascended into Heaven, after His atoning death, burial, and supernatural resurrection. These words represent His final marching orders to His disciples then and for every disciple throughout the ages. Think for a moment of the incredible privilege we have been given by Jesus to be part of His “disciple-making” mission. There is no greater purpose in this life than to be pouring ourselves out for the expansion of the Kingdom of Christ. It is the only thing we can do in this life that has eternal value in the next.
How well have you taken these last words of our Lord to heart? Does the confession of your life reveal that they are, indeed, lasting words — words that have stayed with you? If that is not the case, what changes do you need to make in your life? Remember, lasting value in this life and the next will only be found in living for the last words of Christ.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 