It is Finished
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 30, 2024 | John 19:28-30
KEY VERSE:
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 19:28-30, we witness Jesus' final moments on the cross, where He utters, "It is finished." These words carry profound meaning, signifying the completion of His mission of redemption and the fulfilment of God's plan for salvation. By expressing His thirst, Jesus demonstrates His full humanity, experiencing the physical suffering and limitations of the human condition. Jesus did not accept a pain-numbing drink at the beginning of His ordeal (Mark 15:23), but now He accepted a taste of greatly diluted wine, moistening parched lips and a dry throat so He could make one final announcement to the world with a clear, loud voice. When Jesus said, "I thirst," the worst was over – the price had been paid, and He was ready to announce it.
Jesus' final word, "tetelestai" in ancient Greek, was the cry of a victor. Jesus had accomplished the eternal purpose of the cross. It was all finished, paid in full, and accomplished. The types, promises, and prophecies were fulfilled; the sacrifices and ceremonies of the priesthood were completed; His perfect obedience was fulfilled; the satisfaction of God's justice was achieved; the power of Satan, sin, and death was conquered. Jesus died with the triumphant cry of victory on His lips. It is the triumphant recognition that He has fully accomplished the work that He came to do. By His sacrificial death, Jesus achieved the forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation of humanity with God. Then, He bowed His head and yielded His spirit. No one took Jesus' life from Him; He, unlike any man, gave up His spirit. Death had no rightful hold over the sinless Son of God. He took the place of sinners, yet He was never a sinner. Therefore, He could not die unless He gave up His spirit.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
“He has finished His work for me. Then I must get to work for him, and I must persevere until I finish my work, too; not to save myself, for that is all done, but because I am saved.” (Spurgeon)
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for sacrificing your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Help me to comprehend the depth of His love and the completeness of His work on my behalf. May I respond with a heart full of gratitude and a life dedicated to your service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS.
DAILY word study: FINISHED
In the Greek New Testament, the word "finished" is translated as "τελέω" (teleō), derived from the root "τέλος" (telos), which signifies completion or accomplishment. The use of "τελέω" in the context of John 19:30 emphasizes not just the end of Jesus' earthly life but the fulfilment of God's divine plan for salvation. It conveys the idea of bringing to completion, of reaching the intended goal or purpose. Jesus' declaration signifies that He has fulfilled the purpose for which He came into the world – to offer Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin, to reconcile humanity to God, and to conquer the power of sin and death. Reflections: How does knowing that Jesus has finished the work of redemption affect the way you live your life and share the message of the gospel with others?
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