Devotional: It Is Finished

John 19:28-30

“Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘it is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (Jn. 19:30, NASB).

Growing up on the farm meant some hard work on many days. You work hard. Your hands and feet get tired. Your muscles grow weaker as you work through the day. You sweat profusely, almost to the point of dehydration. Finally, the day is over, You are relieved. How rewarding it is to see that you have completed the work that you set out to do at the beginning of the day. Jesus, the Word of God; the Son of God comes to live among people. He works hard enduring persecution and abuse while at the same time He is helping people through miracles of healing and telling all that they are welcome in God’s kingdom. In His life He shows humanity what God is like? God wants us to be reconciled to Him. He has a place for us in His kingdom. Jesus comes teaching us about God’s love. His ultimate purpose is to die on the cross. His death is God’s requirement for our redemption and reconciliation. Jesus suffers through the night. He is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. Jesus bears His cross to Calvary where He is crucified. The people look in horror at what is taking place. The Roman soldier realizes that an innocent man is being crucified. What a terrible misdeed. What a terrible mistake! No, it is not a mistake. It is Jesus’ intent to drink the bitter cup of death. He will die so that I might live. Jesus knows that His purpose is accomplished. It is the end of the day, and He will reap the rewards. Cry for those who commit the crime. Cry for us because we are the reason for His death. Do not cry for Jesus. Jesus has come to the end of the day. He says, “It is finished.” Prayer: Lord God we thank You for the work that Jesus has done for our sakes. We believe that we too will come to the end of our earthly journey. Then we too, like our Lord and Savior can say, “It is finished.” Amen.