It’s been three months since Tim Keller went to be with his Savior. In that time, I’ve read countless tributes to The Gospel Coalition’s cofounder. 

People have extolled his compelling preaching. They’ve credited his writing with overcoming their doubts and bringing them to faith. They’ve told stories of small, unseen moments where Keller genuinely took an interest in them, listened patiently, and met them with compassion and gospel truth. His exemplary skills in teaching, writing, and strategizing for the gospel have been commended as much as his humble, loving, and Christlike character. 

But none of those qualities or achievements was most prominently displayed at Keller’s memorial service on August 15, 2023. Instead, as Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra reported, the service was all about Jesus. And that’s just what Keller wanted.

Zylstra recounts the words of those who spoke at the service—most prominently Keller’s wife, Kathy, but also their sons and their close family friend Sam Allberry, who delivered the homily. It’s clear they all loved Keller deeply. But they loved Jesus more, and so they fulfilled Keller’s wishes to have a memorial service focused primarily on proclaiming the grace of Christ in the gospel.

Only someone who had a life so thoroughly devoted to the Lord could plan such a service. So as we read or watch and are convicted of the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ, let’s seek to be devoted to him in life and in death. Let’s press on to know and love him more every day—and to tell our lost, broken world about him, as Keller did so well.

Then, with our hearts full of love for our Savior, we can face the end of our own lives with the same attitude as Keller: “I’m ready to see Jesus. Send me home.”