[dwashbur]

I want to get opinions on this idea, because I'm not totally sure it's actually what's going on. I was listening to a trailer for one of the 4 billion Jesus movies out there, and heard Jesus' famous line "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." Every time I've heard this talked about, or dramatized in a movie or otherwise, it sounds like a statement of surrender: "I'm done. I've got nothing left. Let's get this over with."

That makes sense in the context of crucifixion, but something about it struck me differently. I can't help wondering if it's actually a statement of triumph? He's just called "It's done!" indicating that our redemption has been accomplished. He ends the tableau with this statement, but considering that it comes right after that cry of victory, I wonder if we should understand it more like this:

"Daddy, I'm coming home!"

Any thoughts?

[Wondergirl]

I've always understood it as a blend of both of those.

[LearningAsIGo]

I consider giving oneself over to the Father a victory, no matter what the context.

[hauntinghelper]

Interesting take on it. I've always been of the opinion that it was more of a statement of completion... if not to the point of exhaustion. How we might feel after we have run a race... not that we gave up or stopped... but that we finally crossed the finish line.

[classyT]

I think it could have been both. I always thought it was a statement of completion as well and for me, it is yet another situation where he proves himself to be God because only God could decide to give up his spirit. My pastor always says he wants to come to the end of his life and say those words as his last and it bugs me. Only God can say that and mean it as profound as the pastor thinks it would be... it can't be done. Sorry, I digressed.