#1487. Jesus’ Last words - On Suffering And Death (3/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. As we approach Easter, we are reflecting on some of Jesus’ final words from the Last Supper and the Upper Room Discourse in John’s Gospel. 

On this Good Friday, we see that Jesus’ suffering and death were not accidental, but according to God’s plan - His gracious gift to us.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

These words come just after Jesus has washed His disciples’ feet. In that act, He points to Himself as the suffering servant who, through His death, will bring cleansing and forgiveness.

Jesus makes it clear: His betrayal and death are part of God’s plan. He tells them “before it happens” so that, when it unfolds, they will understand that the cross was not a tragedy, but a fulfilment of God’s will.

1. Jesus’ suffering was according to God’s plan

Throughout His passion, we see that Jesus is not a victim of circumstances—He is sovereign.

Before Pilate, the Roman governor, Jesus says:

Even the might of the Roman Empire operates under God’s authority.

Peter later declares:

The cross, then, is both the result of human sin and the outworking of God’s saving purpose.

2. Jesus’ death was a willing sacrifice

Even in His final moments, Jesus is in control:

Jesus, ‘gave up His spirit’. He did not have His life taken from Him - He gave it up. His suffering and death were willing, purposeful, and complete.

Jesus, ‘gave up His spirit’

3. “It is finished” – the work is complete

When Jesus cries, “It is finished,” He is declaring that the work of salvation has been accomplished.

Nothing more needs to be added. The cross has achieved everything necessary for our salvation: forgiveness, justification, and the foundation of our sanctification.

This is not the cry of defeat - but of victory.

Response

Jesus’ final words on suffering and death remind us that His life was given, not taken.

At the cross, God’s plan of salvation reached its fulfilment. Because of Jesus, we can rest in a finished work—nothing needs to be added, and nothing can be taken away.

Today, let us rest in the love and sovereignty of God. As Scripture assures us:

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began a short Easter Series - Jesus' Last Words - which is based upon The Upper Room Discourse and Last Supper in John’s Gospel ( (John 13:1–17:26). 

Please read John 13:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Let Jesus serve us – What does this text teach about how Jesus desires to serve us?

• Let’s serve one another – In what ways are we called to model our service on Jesus’ example?

• Roles and relationships – What roles and relationships has God placed you in, and how can you practically serve like Christ within them?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Modelling Jesus’ service -  From our text, how does letting Jesus serve us and then serving in His likeness bring Him glory and build bridges to share our faith? 

• Easter services - is there anyone that you intend to invite to our Easter services? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for our upcoming Easter Services. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?