His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours

by Kim Erickson

Imagine knowing you only have several more hours to live. Picture the faces of your loved ones gathered around you. Allow the emotions to rise up in your heart.

What would you say?

John 13–17 records Jesus’ last words to the disciples before His death, revealing what was most important to Him. When we study those words and prayers today, we enter deep into the heart of Jesus and come away changed: overwhelmed by the love of God, inspired to follow Him, and empowered to spread the gospel.

His Last Words is an 7-week Bible study that plumbs the depths of Jesus’ final teachings to the disciples. It features:


A verse-by-verse study of John 13–17 and portions of John 18–21
Five lessons each week, one set aside for reflection and prayer
Discussion questions for small groups
Two weeks for review, reflection, and application
and more

Jesus’ last words are words of eternal life—powerful and full of love. If you’ve been longing for more intimacy in your relationship with God, more meaning in your life, and more boldness in your witness, His Last Words will draw you into just what you need: the Word of God.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2017

About the author

KIM ERICKSON began following Christ after the death of her three-year-old son. Jesus and the Bible saved Kim from the pit of grieving the loss of a child. Kim began a writing and teaching ministry to help other women find outrageous joy from a deeper relationship with God. You can learn more at www.KimAErickson.com.

Kim is the author of His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours, Surviving Sorrow: A Mother’s Guide to Living with Loss, and Predicting Jesus: A Six-Week Study of the Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah. Kim is an attorney and kindergarten teacher. She lives in Florida with her husband, Devin, and son, Ethan. She would love to hear from you through email: kim@kimAerickson.com ~ or you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some conflicting feelings about His Last Words by Kim Erickson. In an effort to address those, I think it will be helpful to discuss what the book IS and what it IS NOT.

His Last Words, despite the description, is a five-week review of John 13-17, a one-week gloss-over of John 18-21, and a final week of review of the readers' notes from weeks 1-6. Confusing? Sort of. Maybe that's why they went with the subtitle they went with. Either way, be prepared to read through John 13-21.

His Last Words is 85% journaling, 10% Bible study, and 5% group activities that can easily be omitted if the reader wishes to use this book on their own. The majority of the book consists of large blank spaces for the reader to "answer" questions like, "Write about something you have been trying to do on your own, apart from God" and "If Jesus were sitting at your kitchen table, what would you ask Him about the trouble you are dealing with right now?" While I don't see any harm in doing these exercises, I don't particularly think of these exercises as Bible study, either.

Each week the reader will read through a chapter of John and make notes about each and every verse they read. These notes are to answer the question "What does this verse tell me about God." This is good stuff. I appreciate that Erickson doesn't require the reader take the Scripture out of its original context and answer, "What does this verse mean to me?"

By the time the reader (or group) gets to the end of the book, they will have read John 13-21 in 7 weeks, made notes about most of the verses, and given considerable time to self-reflection, prayer, repentance, and developing a plan for change that aims to align their life with the Word of God. This is what His Last Words is about, and it does a good job with these activities.

Now, to address what this book is NOT. This book will not study the Scriptures word-by-word. It will not be of any particular help in addressing difficult verses, phrases or words. It will not help the reader to understand what John's original intent was with his writing. This book will not help the reader understand the historical setting, the occasion for writing, or the key themes of the Gospel of John. This book will not give the reader much help with observation and interpretation of Scripture. And most certainly, this book will not help the reader address any specific theological themes that appear in the Gospel.

Please don't misunderstand…..I think there is DEFINITELY a market for a book like His Last Words. There are plenty of people who have NEVER taken the time to read slowly through the Gospel of John, in whole or in part. If this book encourages that, GREAT!! However, I feel that Erickson should have included at least some brief mention of word meanings, historical setting, and themes of the Gospel. It couldn't have hurt to take some time to address some of the more difficult sayings of the Gospel, either. Why not address some basic theological ideas like justification, sanctification, and glorification. In my mind, when I hear the term "Bible Study" I assume we are going to be studying the Bible. Instead, I would consider this book to better classified as guided journaling. And within that classification, it does a fine job.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Donna Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study is so amazing. Kim starts out with what led her to this study and then leads us through it. I truly enjoyed doing this study. It was comprehensive enough for seasoned Christians and simple enough for those new to the Faith. There are 5 days of "study" Monday through Thursday take you through a group of Scriptures where you look for God in them Kim also give some commentary on those Scriptures followed by some questions that are designed to help you see how the Scriptures apply to your life. On Day 5 there is a review of the week to help bring the whole week into focus. God really opened my eyes, and heart, to some serious things in this study. I highly recommend it to anyone!!!

[Jennifer Behm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was very eye and heart opening for me. What would you say to the people you chose to spend your last hours on earth... Kim Erickson writes from the heart.

[Jessie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been going through this study for the past few weeks and it has been great. Kim is so incredibly personal throughout the study. She shares her heart in such an applicable, relatable, and encouraging way. Her voice is so down to earth. The language she uses is easy for anyone to understand, mature believer or new Christian. The daily work is not too strenuous where you would get discouraged after a few days. It's just the right amount of work that will keep you thinking about the material all day. I love that the 5th days of each week are set aside for review and summary. I often find when I'm doing a study that I forget what I learned on day 1 by the time I am on day 5. It was really helpful to go back and review all that's God had been showing me throughout the week before moving on to the next weeks material. As a bible study leader, the discussion guides at the end of each week are so valuable. Sometimes there is so much good stuff in a lesson that it is hard to narrow down and choose what to talk about in group discussion. These guides really bring discussion into focus and help me as the leader prepare and feel like the discussion will be valuable for everyone. This study would be great for a group of all ages and biblical knowledge. Kim does a great job of explaining concepts and asks questions that will challenge you and make you think. I found myself writing all over the pages because I couldn't stop thinking of stuff to say in response and it wouldn't fit in the space provided! I love the charts and writing about what we learn about God from that verse. I had never done a study like this. Now I find myself doing this whenever I'm just reading in my bible. It's such a good habit to be in. This is a great study. Kim has a beautiful heart for the Lord which is evident in the study. Also, the book is beautiful! The different colored fonts help you clearly see what is reading material and what is question. The colors used are calming and easy to look at. Give this study a try! You won't be disappointed.

[Juanita Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before beginning this study, I had really been desiring to love God the way that David did… in such a way that I could truly be described as a woman after God’s own heart. I didn’t just want to give my faith and relationship with God lip service—I wanted to passionately love Him and feel close to Him every day.

I loved diving into, “His Last Words”, by Kim Erickson because it was more than fluff, more than emotion and it was full of scripture. I began getting up early-- before anyone else in the house (and let me be clear, I am NOT a morning person), just so that I could bask in my quiet prayer and study time with my Lord. I loved the verse by verse approach where I needed to read the verse and then write out what it tells me about God. Too often, my focus ends up being on what the verse means to me or says I need to do, but it was beautiful and freeing to just look at how the verse points to God and what it tells me about Him.

I appreciated that after each set of verses, Kim Erickson would expound on what I had just read and ask thought provoking questions that helped me apply what I was reading. I am so thankful to God for His timing in allowing me to work through this study. I dove in with both feet and I can honestly say that I am a different person today than I was 3 months ago. It is all God, but I definitely appreciate that He used Kim Erickson in creating this simple but truth filled study. It has helped me grow closer to God and I really felt like Kim was there leading me by the hand as we worked through these passages in the book of John.

[Angela Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study causes the reader to really pause and think carefully about each verse in this passage. What am I learning about God? What is Jesus saying to me personally? The method is unique and thorough. What I love about this study is that it is solid content, but at the same time the method is simple enough to be used by someone brand new to God's Word. In fact, I would recommend it for that! It would ground a new believer in solid doctrine and an understanding of who God is. On the flip side, it is so thorough, that it is equally enjoyed by someone who has been studying their Bible for a lifetime - like me! As a Moody Theology student, I loved being able to trust the content and not feel like I needed to keep double-checking what was being taught. Besides all of that, Kim is relatable and shares so much of her personal heart and testimony, so that one can practically see how what is being taught in God's Word is honestly life changing.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you studied John 13-17 in the Bible? This study can be completed in a group or done individually. What would you say to those you love if you knew there were only hours left in your life? The author writes from experience and shares her love for God with the reader. Each lesson reviews Scripture and provides places for personal reflection. This is a study that I will complete over and over, because I believe I can glean something new each time. Wonderful, heart felt, heart warming study. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my own personal opinion.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fresh, inspiring new way to study God's word, I have a wonderful suggestion for you! "His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours" was written by Kim Erickson and published by Moody Publishers early in 2017. This unique book is a 7-week Bible study of John 13-17, and takes readers through these chapters verse by verse. Because of the content and focus-verses of the book, it would make a wonderful study to delve into during the Easter season.

Each chapter or "week" of this book is divided into 5 sections, effectively forming a 5-day study week. The week opens up with a brief word from the author, and then gets right into the work of the day. Each day's assigned reading is placed, verse by verse, into a chart with space where you can easily write down what you learned from the verse, and what the Holy Spirit revealed to you as you read it. After completing the chart, there are a couple more pages to read relating to the verses, a question or two for deeper reflection, corresponding Bible verses, and finally a closing prayer. Overall, I'm sure you see, this is an insightful and thought-provoking method to studying specific chapters of the Bible in greater depth, and the space to record your own words invites deeper reflection about each and every verse.

Although I greatly enjoyed and respected this study, there were a couple aspects that were not as wonderful as I had hoped. First off, the writing style is not very warm or friendly. It is professional, without question, but it doesn't feel as though Kim is a friend who is sitting across the table with a cup of tea. She remains distant, but I can't really explain why... Second, while the blank spaces to record your own thoughts are one of the main features of this book, this may not be a huge selling feature for readers who don't enjoy writing in their books! You see, I am one of those people who will only write on plain, blank or lined paper, or in a journal (and not a beautifully bound one, either!). I know, I'm weird... But, for me, the abundance of blank space in this book felt a bit wasteful - after all, you get this book expecting it to be chock-full of insight into the topic, and instead find it to be more of a guided journaling experience. After getting over my disappointment, however, I found this format to be quite valuable for exercising my thinking, analyzing, and applying skills for the specific Bible verses, even though I used my own paper to record my thoughts!

Overall, I was very happy with the thought-provoking material contained within "His Last Words". I gained insight that proved most valuable, and I look forward to not only re-reading this volume, but also continuing with other books in this series of Bible studies for women that Moody Publishers is currently releasing.

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Shawn Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

One night Kim's beautiful, blonde three-year-old son went to sleep. And never woke up. During a time of utter despair, Kim found Christ and began to study the gospel. In His Last Words, she draws upon her insight as a grieving mother and fledgling Christian (at the time), to lead women through a biblical study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples.

Intended as a group study for women, His Last Words is organized into a seven-week format, with small sections to read and reflect upon each day . There are many guiding questions for pre-study focus, as well as closing journal questions to gather and document insight gained through the day's reading. As a former high school English teacher, I appreciate how well-organized the study is and how repetition of key goals and follow-up on past discussion points are used throughout.

I study literature so I greatly enjoyed sifting through John 13-17, line by selected line, studying the semantics and gaining meaning from Christ's words. My only criticism of the book is that I sincerely wish the corresponding biblical passages focused upon and referenced for further study were included within the book. While I understand that this is meant to get readers into their bibles, it would still be helpful to read the biblical passages, directly from the text, in one nice, solid chunk prior to dissecting line by line.
This is a great, writing-intensive biblical study for groups of all ages, but intended for women as part of a series from Moody Publishers.
*- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I told someone recently that I am grateful for the whole Bible, but I could spend a long time eating only at the table of John 13 to 17, what is sometimes referred to as the upper room discourse. In these five chapters, we are granted an intimate glimpse of Jesus and his disciples just prior to his crucifixion. I find myself asking of this section, "what did Jesus believe it was important enough to tell his disciples? Who was Jesus in those final hours?" Thankfully, the story moves slowly enough that we can envision some of those details.

In light of my fascination with these five chapters, I was glad to see a book that focused upon them. Kim Erickson's His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours (Moody, 2017). Erickson prepared the book as a seven-week study rather than typical prose. This approach allows the reader to enter the story with Jesus and the disciples. She invites her readers to consider the story that is being told and to continually ask, "what does this tell me about God?" After we think about what the story says, she provides brief narratives granting insight into the story and into her own life, enriching the experience.

I am grateful for this book. Any author who helps her readers to gain a greater appreciation and an accurate understanding of the upper room is a gift in my book.

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts presented here are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began reading this book (I read it as part of the launch team), I assumed that "His last words" were Christ's words on the cross. This is so much more. It is a Bible study beginning in John 13. It is written from the perspective of a mother who lost a child who was three years old. She recounts his last words to her and her last words to him. I have often thought of what last words I want to say to anyone I love. Being married to a (now retired) law enforcement officer, this is something you think about. I was overwhelmed at the "last words" of Christ from John 13 through John 17. There is so much love there -- wherever you are in your walk with Christ I know your walk can be enriched through this study. If you are looking to know Christ and "happen" to pick this book up you will truly learn of His incredible, awesome love for you. Thank you Kim Erickson for writing this study.

[Gabrielle W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Last Words is an interesting study, something I actually never really put thought into. Intended as a group study for women (though can easily be used as a personal study), His Last Words is divided into a seven-week study, with small sections to read and reflect upon each day. Each chapter begins with a walk through a passage, verse by verse and then follows with thoughts and a number of questions that make you stop and think about your own life and how the Scriptures applies.
I personally found this study to be easy to understand (not overwhelming), nicely written and overall and enjoyable study to help strengthen my understanding on the importance of the days leading up to the cross.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own.

[reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a WONDERFUL study. It will open your heart and mind to the true compassion that Christ has for YOU. This is a tremendous study for individual or group use. It is easy to facilitate and easy to process through but not so easy that you sense you are misusing your time. This study is one that resonates with the heart without making you feel inadequate or that you do not have "enough" knowledge of the bible. I highly recommend this study to anyone who is wanting to dig deeper in their relationship with the Lord.

[Chavvah Laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a companion to walk through suffering? Want to grow and become more mature in your faith? Want to know Jesus better? Than this Bible study is for you! Kim draws you in from the very beginning with her need for these important words of Jesus and that need comes through the rest of the pages and helps each to see their own need.
Each chapter begins with a walk through a passage, verse by verse then follows with thoughts and a number of questions that make you stop and think about your own life and how the Scriptures apply.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with 4 other women as a Lenten study. I felt that I was able to dive into Scripture by reading verse by verse and writing what the verse showed me about God or Jesus. I felt challenged and convicted to love Jesus more and to love others more, and to serve in a joyful way, in order to bring glory to Jesus. Higly recommend.

[Kristin Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those bible studies that prompts and requires much self reflection. I liken it to a mirror and sandpaper. It is also deeply intimate. Kim shares quite a bit of herself in the study. I like the verse by verse study format, this is the first study that I've done in this format.

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspirational study! The layout is a bit different than I've seen in other studies I have done, but it works! I like how the author explains the verses in John after you read them. Highly recommended!!

[Carolyn Litfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the format of this Bible study, examining verse by verse through sections of John.
My full review: https://praiseproclaimer.com/2017/01/...

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Last Words: What Jesus Taught And Prayed In His Final Hours is a 7-week bible study of John 13-17 by Kim Erickson. Kim leads us on a verse-by-verse study of John 13-17 as well as a quick overview of chapters 18-21. The main purpose behind this study is to reveal what Jesus emphasized in the days proceeding his death, and how we can apply these teachings to our lives today.

Kim's insights into these chapters show us that while Jesus' final lessons emphasized loving your neighbor, he also stressed the importance of accepting his love for us, as well as how we can focus on that love in order to rise above the daily pain and tribulation we face in this world.

Like previous bible studies by Moody Publishers, this bible study utilizes a dual-color font format to allow the reader to easily distinguish between Kim's writing, scripture excerpts, and study questions. There is also a discussion guide at the end of each week, to be utilized in a small group setting.

I found this study to be very easy to understand and it was an enjoyable experience to strengthen my personal walk with Jesus. I would highly recommend it for anyone who needs a reminder of God's love for each of us and his plans for our lives. This book would be a blessing to a new or struggling believer, as it focuses on the grace offered to those who have the faith to believe. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a free print edition of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Kathleen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been privileged to be a part of the launch team for this study. I joined the team because, quite frankly, I wanted to try a different kind of bible study. I've done dozens of inductive studies the past few years and love learning truth for myself. But I wanted to see what else is out there.

Imagine my surprise when the book arrived and I learned it would have me go through John 13-17 verse by verse! This study is different than others I've done yet, once again, I found myself digging into God's Word learning truth for myself!

From Lesson one Day two I was hooked.

Actually I was hooked when I read the intro and learned Kim's story of loss and redemption.

Taking the words of Jesus verse by verse showed me things I'd never seen before. For example, I'd never seen that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him before He washed his feet. Jesus knew what was going to happen later that evening. Even so, He served Judas and loved him as He served and loved the other disciples. I had to ask myself, "How do I treat those who have hurt me? How do I treat those I anticipate betraying me in the future? Do I treat toxic people as Jesus would? Or do I reject them and hate them?"

I thought I would zip through this study, but it's taken me longer than I thought it would. Not because the material is hard or the book isn't great reading. It is great reading and the material isn't hard. The truth I found is hard. I've had to examine my own heart and intentions. I've spent time in repentance and prayer. And I've seen the truth that God chose me and loves me.

I recommend this study for new and seasoned believers. And for those curious about Jesus and what was important to Him.

[Linda Ammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing journey for me. I have enjoyed the study so far! Kim starts her study in John 13 and continues it through John 17. Kim chose these chapters of the Bible to base her study on because they are the last words of our precious Jesus. But also, her heart had been broken by the untimely death of her 3 year old son Austin in 2008. At that time in her life, Kim had it all: a successful career, a loving husband, two beautiful boys. In just a single night, all that changed. Austin went to be with Jesus and Kim went in search of our savior. She realized at that moment that without God, there is nothing. That everything we have can be lost in the lose of a heartbeat.

As I read Kim’s story at the beginning of the study, I knew this was going to take me some time and I confess, I am not all the way through it as yet. The study is structured in such a way that you ponder, examine and search each verse. The time commitment is about 45 minutes a day but I sometimes feel I should stick around for a bit more and when I don’t, I feel like I am missing something. The study lasts about 7 weeks but there is nothing to say that it can’t last longer (as in my case). You are encouraged to journal and examine each verse. Some of the spaces in my journal were blank. But I know that I will likely return to them and discover some new and amazing truth.

Kim’s last words with her beautiful boy were precious and joyful. The last words they spoke to each other were “Love You”. How fitting that God should choose for Kim to reach out to us with a study on the last words of HIS son.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Ladies Bible Study (and I) enjoyed this Bible Study. We studied this book during Lent. I don’t know that the subject of the book (Jesus’ last words to his disciples found in John 13-17+) had that much of a connection to the season of Lent and why we observe it as Christians (Lutherans), rather it is an intense look at the last half of Holy Week. We were all impressed by the author’s story of how she became a Christian, as well as her growth to the point that she has written such a good Bible study. As a study leader, I liked that the scripture text was included in the book. For those who might be carrying a study guide with them to work so that they can read/study while on lunch break, etc.—this is a major convenience. The was ample room to write notes on each verse and to answer questions in the book. There are good footnotes in the back of the book. Overall, my Ladies Bible Study group is made up of women who have known Christ most of their lives. This book caused all of us to look at this portion of John with fresh eyes. I think it would be a very good study for those who are new to the faith as well. Well done!

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the privilege of being on the launch team for this incredible study. Kim Erickson did a phenomenal job, taking us through the last conversations with Jesus and His disciples. I gained a deeper understanding and firmer grasp of His love for us, and His desire for us to share that love with others. Great for a small group study, or even with a couple of friends to share it with. Looking forward to more studies with Kim.

[Liza Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than a lot of womens bible studies. Well worth the time. This is a study I will repeat in future. Enjoy the transforming grace of the Word! I received a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Luain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Bible study has been heart changing for me! I liked the simplicity/complexity of the verse by verse format - looking at each verse and reflecting what it is saying about God's character, his love for me, etc..... I want to hold tight to "His Last Words" and remember what Jesus taught the disciples in his last days on earth - the things that are most important and where my heart should be!

[Laura Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing. Inspirational. Life-Impacting. Bible Study.

It's like a breath of fresh air just swept across my Bible Study world. As one who gravitates towards studies that dig into the historical context of Scripture, the original languages, and the local customs of the time, I tend to prefer studies by (or similar to) Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer. I enjoy digging into the Word—excavating hidden treasures and deep truths—so much so that I may have forgotten how wonderful it is to simply read the Word of God without commentaries, Bible dictionaries, lexicons, and theological resources at my fingertips.

Bible Study for the Soul



His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours (John 13-17) by Kim Erickson (Moody Publishers), is a 7-week inductive Bible Study written for small groups, although it is easily adaptable to a personal study. I completed it by myself, and I loved it! Though the book is written with women in mind, I am certain anyone interested in learning more about Jesus—his last days, death, resurrection, and relationships—would benefit from this study.

Each week's study is bracketed with a brief written introduction by the author (there are no videos) and discussion questions for a small group. (Since I completed the study on my own, I read through them, and answered anything applicable.)  There are five days of homework to be completed each week: the first four days center on Scripture reading, reflection, and application, and the fifth day is reserved for review and reflection.

From the author bio on the back cover:

Kim Erickson began following Christ after the death of her three-year-old son from strep throat in 2008. Her growing relationship with the Lord and her Bible saved her from the pit of grief. During this time, she also developed a deep, abiding love for the Word of God. Kim's love of Scripture led her to develop a website and teaching blog to help other women fall in love with it, too: lovemyword.com. An elementary school teacher turned lawyer, Kim lives in Florida with her husband and son."

Erickson's explanation about how God used this tragic event to draw her close to Himself and heal her heart is interwoven throughout the book. She shares tidbits here and there so as not to detract from the study of the Word. Her testimony—though heart-wrenching—is extremely refreshing, exuding a joy and peace that only the Lord could bring.

 His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours (John 13-17)

Four Days of Bible Study & One Day to Reflect

On the first four days of each week, you begin with Scripture. First, you read through the specified passage (short), and then you reflect upon it one verse at a time specifically looking for what it says about God. Erickson has provided a helpful guide for this part of the study, so you know what to look for during your review.



Following the Scripture study, there are insightful notes and open-ended questions to help you think through the meaning of what you've read and how it applies to your life. Each day concludes with a Bible verse and a specific prayer to apply what was learned that day.



On the fifth day of each week, you begin by asking the Lord to "reveal anything you may have missed the first time through the lessons." I love that. Then, she guides you through a review of that week's Scripture reflections, applications, and lessons learned. And then, there's my favorite part of the study: Stillness before the Lord.



Be Quiet. Be Still. 

Each week ends with a reminder to be quiet and still. To listen to the Lord. To remember what you've learned. To listen to the Holy Spirit. This is a very important part of the study and should not be skipped.

God has been showing me over and over and over again throughout the Prophets that, as His people, we need to slow down, be quiet, pay attention, and listen. We cannot continue living a hectic pace of life with the volume on everything turned up and expect to be able to hear what God is saying! We have to carve out time to be still and know that He is God.

Time for Reflection on the Entire Study

The final week (week 7) of the study is a review. Each day, you revisit one of the previous weeks and reflect on what God has revealed to you through this study. The book ends with suggestions for taking it deeper with goal setting and accountability.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I highly recommend His Last Words. I recommend it for small groups and individuals. I recommend it for women and men. I recommend it for Christ followers and those who aren't yet sure about this whole Jesus thing. In fact, if you or a friend have not yet put faith in God, this is the study for you!

There Were Not Enough Sources 

Now, being the Bible nerd that I am, I have to confess that I was a lot disappointed in the "Notes" page at the end of the book: There were only nine footnotes for the entire study including only six sources (one of which was an English dictionary).

While I loved relying primarily on the Bible for this study, I believe a few more resources would have shed a more light on certain passages. For example, while reflecting on Jesus' restoration of Peter in John 21, Erickson laments,

We don't know why Peter was grieved by the third 'do you love me?'"

Um...yeah, we kinda do know why he was grieved. With a little more research or a more scholarly commentary, the author would have seen that Jesus was using one word for "love" (agape) in His first two questions, while Peter was answering with a completely different word (phileo). The third time Jesus asks Peter "do you love me?" He switches from using His word (agape) to using Peter's word (phileo). This is what grieved Peter, and a study of the interplay of these two Greek words for "love" adds texture and depth to the interaction between Jesus and Peter, as well as one's interpretation of the passage. This can easily be overlooked if you're relying exclusively on an English translation. I'm not trying to underplay the role of the Holy Spirit at all; however, we must keep in mind that the Bible was written in other languages, and the Holy Spirit has enlightened many theologians as they did their own research on the Scripture. 

With that said, honestly, I think that this is one of the best Bible studies I've done in a really, really long time! I loved it, and I recommend His Last Words with no hesitation whatsoever! 
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