30When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said,“It is finished! ” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

Grande Finale

Everyone was taken aback and surprised that Jesus went from walking and healing people to hanging bloody from a cross. Surely this was not the ending anyone would have anticipated except God. Yet here He is, barely hanging onto life with a cross hanging from His back. With His next to last breath Jesus makes a declaration, not a mere statement.

Declaration of Freedom

The declaration Jesus made by saying “it is finished” was not saying His life ended but that the power of sin, death and hell  had. The payment for sin was finally complete and God’s wrath for sin had been satisfied. Humanity could now live in freedom from sin as they live in the power of the Son.

Just The Beginning

This ending was just the beginning and without this ending there would be no beginning. Jesus finished the work that only He could do on our behalf. When He said “It is finished”, that meant nothing else ever had to be done for sin. Nothing but the blood of Jesus would ever suffice and it was more than enough! With Jesus declaring the great finish with His last breath, it is incumbent that we all use our every breath to praise His holy name! Let the praise begin!

Questions for reflection

What does Jesus saying “It is finished” mean to you?

How does knowing sin is paid for affect you?

Have you taken God’s grace and Jesus’ love for granted?

How often do you praise God for who He is and what He has done?