Faith & Reason Nexus

In His final moments, Jesus Christ made provisions for both His followers and the entire world. His last acts and teachings became part of His spiritual legacy and eternal testament to humankind. Here are the key elements of Christ’s last will:

1. He Left His Gospel to the Whole World

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
• Christ’s message, His gospel, was left to be shared with all nations and generations, offering salvation to all who would believe and obey.

2. He Left His Presence Always with God’s Children

• Matthew 28:20 – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
• Even after His physical departure, Christ promised to be with His followers through His Spirit, guiding and comforting them.

3. He Left His Supper to His Followers

• Luke 22:19-20 – “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
• Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper (Communion) as a continual remembrance of His sacrifice and a symbol of the covenant between God and His people.

4. He Left Himself as an Example and a Servant

• John 13:14-15 – “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
• Jesus humbly served others, even washing the feet of His disciples, teaching them the importance of humility, service, and selflessness.

5. He Left His Clothes to the Soldiers

• John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.”
• Christ’s clothes were taken by the soldiers, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22:18, which foretold that they would divide His garments.

6. He Left His Peace to His Disciples

• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
• Jesus left His peace as a gift to His disciples, assuring them of His continued care and presence, even in times of trouble.

7. He Left His Purse to Judas

• John 13:29 – “Some thought that, because Judas had the money bag, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the feast,’ or that he should give something to the poor.”
• Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was entrusted with the purse or money bag, even though he would later betray Christ for thirty pieces of silver.

8. He Left His Body to Joseph of Arimathea

• Matthew 27:57-60 – “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.”
• After His death, Jesus’ body was given to Joseph of Arimathea, who placed it in his own tomb, fulfilling the prophecy about the Messiah being buried in a rich man’s tomb.

9. He Left His Mother to John

• John 19:26-27 – “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’”
• Jesus, in His final moments, entrusted the care of His mother to His disciple John, ensuring her well-being after His death.

10. And to All, He Left Every Opportunity to Render Obedience to His Saving Gospel!

• Mark 16:15-16 – “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”
• Christ left every person with the opportunity to obey the gospel, be baptized, and receive salvation, making His final testament an invitation to eternal life for all.

Conclusion:

Christ’s last will and testament encapsulate His love, His sacrifice, His teachings, and His desire for all people to be reconciled to God. He left behind a legacy that still offers grace, peace, and salvation to those who follow His example and obey His gospel.