It Is Finished
Scripture: John 19:28-30 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30 NLT)
“To fulfill Scripture.” Jesus wasn’t reading a script. Jesus knew the Scriptures, and everything he did and said matched with what the Holy Spirit had inspired the prophets to write centuries before about the Messiah, about his birth, his life, his ministry, and his death. But Jesus wasn’t merely acting a part, Jesus was living his purpose and fulfilling the mission for which he had come to the world.
Jesus had seen that the time of his death was drawing near. He discussed this with Moses and Elijah when he was transfigured on the mountain and they appeared from the other side and talked with him. He had increasingly been talking to his disciples about his death and preparing them as best he could for these events. A few hours before, he had, in prayer to his Father, recommitted himself to endure the betrayal, the desertion, the false accusations, the mockery, the torture, and finally, the crucifixion.
Jesus was the Son of God, Messiah, come to bring our salvation. He was the Son of Man, Jesus of Nazareth, who lived a life of faithfulness and dedication to his Father’s will as he demonstrated God’s Kingdom Come and discipled his followers. He was the Good Shepherd who led his followers in the Way of the Lord and protected them from harm. He was the Lamb of God, offered for our redemption and the atonement for our sins.
Jesus was never a victim, not even at the most agonizing point of this entire process. He told his disciples as the mob arrested him in the Garden, “I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect me and he would send them instantly!” He told Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world, or my followers would fight to defend me.”
And when he knew that the redemption price was paid, that atonement was made, that his mission was finished, he bowed his head and released his Spirit and died.
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for sending such a Savior! Jesus thank you for everything! Amen.