It Is Finished!
Scripture Reading — John 17:1-5; 19:28-30
Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
When Jesus said, "It is finished," it wasn't as if his life were interrupted. If you're in the middle of a project and you have to stop for some reason, you might say "I have to quit this for now" but not "It's finished." Jesus died when he was finished with his mission.
Can we say the same about our lives? If a young person dies, we tend to think, "He still had so much to do," or, "Her life is ended, not finished." And in many cases, when people who are about to die in their old age look back, they think of missed opportunities, unmended relationships, and other shortcomings. Their lives may be over, but they don't seem finished.
What did Jesus finish? In his prayer in John 17, Jesus says to the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." God had created humankind to glorify him and enjoy him forever--but they fell into sin, their work unfinished. Jesus came to finish that work--and more, to redeem all who believe in him for eternal life. So today we speak of "the finished work" of Christ for us poor and needy sinners.
By grace and through faith, his finished work becomes ours. Without Christ, life is incomplete. As we rest in his finished work, all comes together to make a perfect and completed life. This inspires us to serve others and brings the Father glory.
Thank you, Father, that when I leave this life someday, I too can say, "It is finished," as I rest in the finished work of Christ. Be glorified in me forever. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
About the author — H. David Schuringa
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