Christian Writers Circle

It is Finished 
by Brenda D. Flowers

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19: 28-30 NKJV)

Do we recognize the full implications of these words and the power hidden within them?

Our Heavenly Father loved humanity so much that He was willing to send His Son on a great mission to reconcile humanity back into right relationship with Him. But His Son had a choice of whether to accept the mission or not. Before coming to earth to take on human flesh, God counted the cost. 

Jesus willingly accepted the mission to be humanity’s kinsman Redeemer. 

His mission to save lost humanity involved great humility and sacrifice. He had to leave his heavenly Home, be born in human flesh as a baby and grow up in a sinful world, tempted in every way as we are …yet without sin. 

To restore humanity to God’s kingdom, Jesus had to fulfill the will of His Father. 

 Each word written of the coming Messiah had to be completed perfectly in His actions and words. Jesus knew he would have to diligently pray for guidance and strength. He had to depend upon Holy Spirit during His mission. 

Before the Son of God came to rescue us, He knew He would have to die as a perfect sacrifice as the Lamb of God. He had to take all the sins, sicknesses, iniquities of mankind in His body, suffering unimaginable agony and shame.

Jesus loved mankind beyond our comprehension to willingly accept this mission. 

It would have been an impossible mission for anyone but God. 

When we read John’s Gospel account, we gain the great revelation of who Jesus truly is, the Word of creation, fully God who became fully man. Jesus came to earth sacrificially for you and me. 

Did Jesus succeed in His mission?

The words Jesus proclaims on the cross were spoken with authority, the authority God the Father gave to Him. The Greek word tetelestai is translated “It is finished” but its root meaning is “paid and continuing to pay in full.” Jesus paid the full price for our redemption. He paid our sin debt.

Jesus’ life was not taken from Him. He gave His life willingly.

 Are we willing to lay down our lives and follow Him daily? 

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your mission on earth. Help us to daily take up our cross and follow You. We praise You for the power to complete the work you’ve called us to do. In Your mighty name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen