IT IS ACCOMPLISHED
John 19: 30: “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
INTRODUCTION
“It is accomplished” the moment of the separation between life and death. “TETELESTAI”. It means: the goal has been achieved. These words are not simply an expression of relief or exhaustion, but form the decisive word for the Father, spoken by His Only Begotten Son. Jesus paid the price for our sins with His precious blood, so that we can live forever in peace with God the Father. Jesus gave everything and bore the heavy wrath of God. His blood brings about reconciliation between God and men once and for all. It is unimaginable but true. And at that critical moment, amid pain and suffering, Jesus cries out: “IT IS DONE!”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
“It is accomplished.” These words reverberate throughout history as an echo, an echo of salvation, and a cry of victory over the darkness of sin and death. What does it mean when Jesus says, “It is finished”? It is not just about the end of his suffering, or the conclusion of his life on earth. No, it goes beyond that. “It is finished” means that the task that Jesus received from the Father has been completed. The work He came to do is finished. These words, spoken at the end of his earthly life, express the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Think about it, beloved: Jesus’ death on the cross is not the failure of his mission, but rather its success! It is the ultimate triumph over sin and death. Although His enemies thought that they had defeated Him, it was the moment when victory was achieved. Jesus voluntarily bore the penalty for the sins of the world, so that we can receive forgiveness and eternal life. His death on the cross was the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan of grace and salvation.
A GIANT SACRIFICE MADE
It’s finished. Completely accomplished. He paid. It touches on something profound and, that there was so much disturbed and broken by sin. The relationship of man to God, the payment was necessary. Retribution. Atonement through compliance. A lot has already been paid! Many lambs were slaughtered. Already an indication. And here is Jesus now. The sacrificial lamb. The debt has been paid. What an important little word, it was paid for. Also for those who would doubt! Listen to Jesus, it is a confirmation. And Easter Sunday is a confirmation that death (as punishment for sin) has been conquered.
It touches on what is so difficult for us: to surrender. I hear it this way, if He accomplished it, it will also work in us. The debt was paid, but the Spirit was also poured out. That’s how the word comes to us too, thank God. Let us stand together today, with our hearts full of gratitude and worship, as we acknowledge that Jesus, through his finished work on the cross, is our Savior and King.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
It means that the way to God is open to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross paved the way for our reconciliation with God. Our sins are forgiven, and our debts are paid. Through Jesus’ completed work we can now become children of God, loved and accepted in his family.
But despite this wonderful truth, many of us do not fully rest on the finished work of Jesus. Why is that? Perhaps because we do not realize how deep our sins are and how high God’s standard of justice is. Or maybe because we struggle to believe that the death of one man can mean our salvation.
But even if we believe in Jesus’ sacrifice, we find it difficult to fully trust Him. We may feel unworthy, or inadequate, or we think we have to do something to earn God’s love. But it is not true! Jesus accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. We need not add anything to his perfect work.
CONCLUSION
Let us meditate today knowing that Jesus has done everything for us. Let us not put our trust in our efforts but in his grace. Let us confess our sins, accept his forgiveness, and rest with gratitude in his loving arms. Good Friday is indeed a good day because on this day our salvation is accomplished. Let us celebrate today and be thankful for the immeasurable love of our Savior. May his sacrifice always remind us of the precious gift of grace and salvation He gave us. AMEN
PRAYER: Loving Father, Thank you for the redemptive work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. When He cried out, “It is finished,” the goal was accomplished, the salvation accomplished. Your Only Begotten Son redeemed us with His precious blood, to grant us eternal life in peace with You, our heavenly Father. Thank you, Lord, for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He gave everything, even His life, to bear the heavy wrath of You. His blood brings reconciliation between You and us, sinful people, once and for all. It is unbelievable, but true, that Your mercy is so great. May the decisive words of Jesus, “It is finished,” always resound in our hearts and our spirits. May we always be reminded of the miracle of Your love and grace, which frees us from the power of sin and death. Help us, Father, to live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Your Son. Give us the strength to walk in obedience to Your will, and to extend Your love and grace to others around us. In the Crucified Jesus’ name we pray this, AMEN.