Matthew 27:50, "Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit," is a pivotal verse describing the moment of Jesus' death on the cross. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Jesus cried again with a loud voice...": The fact that Jesus cried with a loud voice is significant. It shows that even in his weakened state, he still had strength and resolve. Some interpretations suggest this "loud voice" was a final declaration or a fulfillment of prophecy. Some believe that Jesus quoted Psalm 22 at the end of his life.

"...and yielded up his spirit.": This phrase is key to understanding Jesus' death. "Yielded up" implies that Jesus actively and willingly gave up his life. He wasn't simply succumbing to exhaustion or the pain of crucifixion; he was consciously releasing his spirit (his life force or soul). The Greek word translated as "yielded up" is "aphiemi," which can also mean "to dismiss" or "to let go." This emphasizes the voluntary nature of Jesus' sacrifice.

In summary, the verse means:

Jesus, with a final, strong declaration, willingly gave up his life (his spirit). He wasn't merely dying; he was actively choosing to release his spirit from his body.

Theological Significance:

Voluntary Sacrifice: It highlights the voluntary nature of Jesus' sacrifice. He wasn't a victim, but a willing participant in the plan of salvation.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: It marks the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death.
Power Over Death: It demonstrates Jesus' power over death. He didn't simply die; he actively yielded his spirit.
Atonement for Sin: This moment is central to Christian theology, representing the atonement for human sin through Jesus' death on the cross.
Model of Submission: Some interpret this as a model of submission to God's will, even in the face of extreme suffering.