An Undefeated Death

## The Word

There are many reasons for us to memorize Scripture. It puts it in our hearts, so if we’re ever without God’s Word, it remains alive with us. Jesus quoted God’s Word (in context) against Satan and proved that His Word works against enemies we can’t see (Matthew 4:1-11). While there is no actual verse that dictates God turned His head, the general feeling seems to be that He did. We know that God cannot look upon sin, and that the Son became sin. Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 prior to this moment, “God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” (cf.

## Matthew 27:46)

Now, we find Jesus quoting another Psalm, “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” (Psalm 31:5) From when Jesus starts His public ministry, to when He fights Satan, then to His death, He quoted God’s Word. The Word “… is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

## In Death

The band, System of a Down, had a song titled "Chop Suey." They presented rock music a little bit different, not only in its unique sound but lyrics as well. I remember listening to that song for the first time and it caught my attention. The bridge goes: Father into your hands, I commend my spirit

## Father into your hands

why have you forsaken me

## In your eyes forsaken me

## In your thoughts forsaken me

## In your heart forsaken, me oh

I was curious if there were any religious or Biblical reasons for adding the quote from Jesus. While none of the band members have come out and explained what the song means, it’s been said by many that the song is intended to be about suicide and that everyone deserves to die in the end. It's rather interesting that they quote from the death of the One man who was proven innocent. We all can look inward and see our failures. Jesus could look inside of Himself and see none. He completed the task and fulfilled every prophecy given about Him (except His second coming). Mankind was able to sentence Him to die, beat Him, and hang Him on a cross awaiting death. Jesus reveals a few things we could take with us in this verse: 1) We can call on God at any time. 2) His hands are the best hands to give our entire being and life into. 3) We have a spirit, and one spirit only. 4) Jesus died so we could live, and tell others about the same opportunity. Jesus laid aside His will that He may become the sacrifice we need (Hebrews 9). In fact, Hebrews 9:22b says, “.,.without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” What left the apostles and those who followed Him to the end heart-broken, would turn into the day death would be defeated. Without Jesus sending His Spirit into the Father’s hands, we would still remain in our sin. There would be no hope.

## Self-Check

We should not only be thankful with words but also with our actions to the rest of the world. He showed us “… his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

## A Strange Witness