Reflections of Grace
IT IS FINISHED
Scripture
John 19:25-30
25but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.28After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”29A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Reflect
- 1.Jesus was at the brink of death, yet he showed concern for his mother. How often do you think of others' needs rather than your own, and what does Jesus's example here teach you about love in pain?
- 2.Jesus said, “I thirst,” showing the reality of his suffering. How does this help you remember that Jesus entered fully into human weakness and pain?
- 3.Jesus cries out "It is finished" and gives up his spirit. What burden of guilt, fear, or striving do you need to lay down because his saving work is complete?
Exposition
We are natural finishers, aren't we? We love to cross things off lists, achieve goals, and complete tasks. But there is one thing we can never finish on our own: our salvation. We try. We add religious rituals, moral improvements, and good deeds. But the debt remains unpaid. The struggle is exhausting. We keep striving, yet peace stays distant.
Then we come to the cross. John shows us a Jesus who is in complete control even in utter weakness. Hanging there, he does not save himself. Instead, he cares for his grieving mother, entrusting her to the beloved disciple. And then, with a cry, he declares the most stunning word in human history: "It is finished." Not "I am finished" in defeat. But "It is finished" in triumph. The debt is paid in full. The work is done. The Lamb has prevailed.
The important truth is this: your salvation is not a partnership where you finish what Christ started. It is a finished work that you receive. Jesus did not say, "I have done my part, now you do yours." He said, "It is finished." Your striving can cease because his suffering is complete. The wrath is satisfied. The curtain is torn. The way to God is open. This is the hope that anchors the weary soul. You do not add to the cross. You rest in it.
So when guilt whispers that you need to do more, remember "Tetelestai." When shame accuses you of falling short, remember the paid-in-full receipt of the cross. Bow your head, receive his finished work, and rest. The debt is paid. The victory is won. You are free.
Prayer
“Lord Jesus, you hung in my place and cried out with the final word of redemption. Forgive me for the ways I keep trying to add to your finished work. Thank you that "It is finished" means I no longer have to strive for your approval. Help me to rest in your completed sacrifice today. And from that rest, let my life overflow with joyful obedience, not anxious performance. Amen.”
LWNRA · Daily Word