READ:
When He had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John chapter 19, verse 30)
REFLECT:
Jesus' journey had begun in a simple stable in Bethlehem, the City of David, thirty-plus years before. Now it was finished. But, what was finished? What was this mission that was now complete? Why did Jesus come? Let's look at how Jesus defined His mission -- and later, how His apostles understood it.
We read about His commission to "preach the Gospel to the poor" (Luke 4:18, 43), "to bring life" (John 10:10b), "to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8b), "to testify to the truth" (John 18:37). But each of these seems like a means or aspect of the ultimate purpose, which is to save us from our sins.
It is clear from Matthew and Mark that just before Jesus breathed His last, He "cried out again in a loud voice" (Matthew 27:50, cf. Mark 15:37). John gives us the content of this loud cry: "It is finished!" The Greek word is, "Tetelestai."
Those who are defeated go out with a whimper, but Christ announces His victory loudly and broadly: "It is finished!" The victory shout of Jesus echoed across the small flat hilltop and to the world beyond. It is finished! NOT, "I am finished," BUT, "IT is finished." His mission to planet earth completed, Jesus has won the victory over the last enemy of death. We need no longer fear even the worst that can come our way, for Jesus has already faced it for us, and promises to carry us through it. There is nothing left for us to do than simply trust Him.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, at times I have wasted much of the momentum of my life because I've tried to go in so many different directions. Please help me to focus on Your plan and purpose, Your direction for me, so that I might finish this life well and honour Christ, in Whose name I pray. AMEN.
