It Is Finished

John 19:16-30

From the beginning of time, the world was waiting for the promised vessel of restoration. Remember Genesis, where God created the world and all the beauty that is within it, where He created man and woman after His own likeness. He loved spending time with His children; they still disobeyed Him. Because of this, the grip of sin clenched the world. But from the beginning, God had a plan to mend the brokenness through the offspring of the first woman, “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:14-15).

Then, through many generations, hints of the Messiah’s coming rippled through history. This was the perfect story that the great Author of Life was weaving together. As many have said before, all scripture points towards Jesus's arrival. Throughout the Old Testament, over four hundred prophecies of a Messiah were proclaimed, and even more foreshadowing stories were painted.

This brings us to today’s passage. The life of Jesus is marked by healing, signs, and wonders. From where He was born to how He died, Jesus fulfilled the things spoken of Him from generations past.

Then, as the intense moment of his crucifixion unravels, the marvelous finishing of Christ’s work is announced. “It is finished.”

Every sin was placed upon His shoulders. He bore it all upon that rugged cross. Mankind disobeyed God, but Jesus submitted to His Father. We wandered, lied, and killed, but Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We tried to steal His life by crucifying Him on the cross, and He gave us eternal life.

It is finished.

Jesus submitted everything–His death was a display of divine justice. The Father has always loved His people. Christ’s death did not introduce this love. It has always been since before the foundation of the world. The death of Jesus only removed barriers that were in the Father’s way.

“He would, as a God of love, and now he could, as a God of justice, bless poor sinners.” C.H. Spurgeon.

What wonderful news this is for us, that it is finished! There is now nothing we are to do to appease the wrath of God. Under the blood of Jesus, we are cleansed.

Yet even still, we are tempted to appease God on our own. How blessed we are that He did not say, “It is almost finished.” No, it is completely finished. We do not need to strive towards perfection on our own. Have you grown tired in your pursuit of the Lord? Remember that He has wholly covered you in His mercy. Rather than striving, sit with His words, “It is finished.” The work was finished on the cross. The Law has been fulfilled. Jesus bore the cross that we might bear a light and easy burden. It is finished, and it has been finished for us.