People’s last words can either be some of the most crazy or most profound words ever spoken. On October 9, 2002 a woman who was convicted of murdering seven men spoke these words before she was executed.

“I’d just like to say I’m sailing with the rock, and I’ll be back like Independence Day, with Jesus, June 6th. Like the movie, big mother ship and all. I’ll be back.” — Aileen Wuornos

Something tells me that is not a quote that is going to end up on a coffee mug or a T-shirt. As creepy as those words seem, there have been others who have chosen to say some very profound things before they died. Sir Issac Newton said, “I don’t know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself now and then in finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

Last words can be such a powerful thing because we spend our entire lives speaking empty words. So when our time has come to an end we feel the need to speak words that will last forever instead of speaking words that are empty.

Out of all the final words uttered, the most profound words have to be the words of Jesus Christ.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”” Mark‬ ‭16:15-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Most people’s last words are a reflection of the past. Yet, the last words of Jesus have nothing to do with the past. He wasn’t speaking his last words on earth as one who was going to cease to exist.

He spoke his last words as one who is still living but no longer able to continue carrying out his plan the way that he had the past few decades. It was time for his mission to go from being carried out by him to be carried out by those who follow him. He wasn’t reflecting on the past he was setting the foundation for the future.

Regardless of our job, profession, or title, if we are followers of Jesus we have one goal, one purpose and one mission. We are to preach the gospel to ALL creation. We know that this is our purpose because not only did He command us to do it but He also gave us the tools that we need to carry out this goal.

Some last words are spoken and never remembered. Others are spoken and only live in the hearts of those who were meant to hear them.

Jesus’ words are meant for all us and for the rest of eternity.

David Waddle is Pastor at the Lynchburg First Church of Christ.