"It Is Finished"
Scripture Reading — John 19:28-30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
—John 19:30
“It is finished.” This three-word sentence may be the most important sentence ever uttered. We can understand more about its meaning by considering it in Greek, the language of the New Testament. In Greek the entire sentence is only one word. Even more interesting is that the tense of the word signals an action completed in the past with an ongoing effect in the present. In other words, Jesus is saying that something’s been completed and that it has meaning for us still today.
So what has been finished? The Bible provides at least two answers. First, what’s been completed is the great revelation of the love of God to the world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son …” (John 3:16). On this Good Friday it’s critical to know that Jesus went the way of the cross because of his great love for the world—which includes you and me. God’s love for you and me put Jesus on the cross and kept him there until his dying breath.
Also completed by Jesus was our cleansing, the payment and forgiveness for all our sin. Jesus accomplished our reconciliation with God. Jesus carried and paid for all our sin, once and for all. We are freed and forgiven and are now heirs with Christ in the family of God. What wondrous love this is!
Gracious God, you have poured out your love on us through the cross of Christ, our Lord. Our hearts overflow with thanks for your wondrous love. Hear our grateful prayer, in Jesus' name. Amen.
About the author — Ruth Boven
Ruth Boven serves as minister of congregational life at LaGrave Ave. CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Greg, have two adult children. They find rich purpose in urban ministry and delight in enjoying the wonders of God's good creation.
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