Jesus’ Final Words: A Promise of Power and a Call to Witness

 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

Dear Friends,

A loved one’s last words often become some of our most treasured memories. Over the course of a lifetime, people speak millions of words that quickly fade from memory, but final words have a way of staying with us. Before Jesus returned to His Father, He left His disciples with a promise and a command. These words and their fulfillment set the tone for the entire book of Acts.

A Family Legacy and a Lesson in Unity

My mom often recalls some of the last words her father spoke to her before his death. Knowing his time was short, Grandpa made a special trip to our home to share what was on his heart. His message became a family mantra: “No matter what happens, always stick together.”

Through the years, those words have carried us through difficult seasons, reminding us to band together in prayer and support during times of adversity.

Jesus’ Final Words to His Disciples

In the same way, Jesus’ final words carried lasting power. Before ascending to heaven, He promised that the Holy Spirit would come and His followers would receive supernatural power. This power would equip them to carry the gospel message first in Jerusalem, then to the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth. Their eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection would become the foundation for spreading the good news of salvation.

Moments later, Jesus was lifted up into the sky until a cloud hid Him from their sight. The disciples stood in stunned silence, staring upward, until two angels appeared and reassured them that Jesus would one day return in the same way He left. With renewed focus, they returned to Jerusalem as He had commanded.

The Promise of Power Through the Holy Spirit

As they walked, they must have wondered: What did Jesus mean by power? How would it come? What would it enable us to do? Until those answers were revealed, they devoted themselves to prayer and the Scriptures.

One day, Peter stood before the group of 120 believers. He explained from Scripture the need to replace Judas, the disciple who had betrayed Christ. The new apostle had to be someone who had been with them from the beginning, someone who could serve as a credible witness to the resurrection. After prayer, the group cast lots, and God revealed His choice: Matthias.

Preparing for the Promise

The twelve apostles, along with the other believers, continued to gather, pray, and prepare for the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise – the gift of the Holy Spirit and His power. And soon, that promise would be fulfilled!

Jesus’ Final Words Still Speak Today

Jesus’ final words have echoed throughout history. Every believer who accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ also receives the promised power of the Holy Spirit. Like the first disciples, we are called to be His witnesses – to share what God has done in our lives.

The book of Acts reveals how the gospel spread with unstoppable power, and the story isn’t finished. We are part of that same mission today.

A Call to Action: Be His Witness Where You Are

Don’t let Jesus’ final words be only a memory. They are meant for you. Start right where you are – share with your neighbors what God has done, and let your witness spread. Be part of the powerful story the Holy Spirit is writing through your life.

Love,

Mama

What do Jesus’ final words mean to you personally? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments or send me a message at [email protected]. Your stories and insights encourage me and others in our journey of faith!