Finished

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God  

“It is finished!” You may have said this many time during your life. After a final exam, it means, “I’m done with that class” or “I’m on to the next grade.” For an employee, it could mean, “I’ve completed my assigned task.” When you finally put that unassembled purchase together you may say, “I’m glad to be finished with that!”

In New Testament times, “It is finished” could have meant many things. For the religious leaders, it could mean they succeeded in getting rid of a radical Rabbi. For the Romans, it could mean they successfully completed another execution. For the disciples, it meant their hope of the Messiah was dashed.  

But, “It is finished” meant far more to Jesus. It meant, “My sacrifice for the sins of the world is complete.” 

Jesus had hung on the cross since mid-morning enduring the excruciating pain, indignity, and disgrace of crucifixion. It’s now 3:00 in the afternoon and Jesus was at the brink of death. He cried out, “It is finished” [John 19.28-30]. The door for us to be made right with God swung wide open [Romans 3.24-26]. 

The Father’s task for Jesus was complete, finished! Now, we can be reconciled with God [Romans 5.11]. The only word that comes to mind is, “Hallelujah!” — Praise the Lord!

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19.30