This Holy Week we will be considering the 7 things Jesus said at the Cross, as recorded in scripture. We will seek to understand what this shows us about Jesus and how we can walk in His way as redeemed and loved children of God.
*We will be pulling out these 7 sayings, one per day. If you want to read the full crucifixion accounts you can find them here: Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:21-41, Luke 23:26-49, and John 19:17-37
Day 6
If you are on track with this devotional series, today is Good Friday. This is a day you might want to set aside additional time for reflection, contemplation and quiet listening for God.
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Read from John 19:28-30:
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Consider these ideas and questions. Make observations of your own. Journal as you go:
- It is finished, “tetelestai” in Greek, was a cry of completion. In the past days of devotionals we have seen a couple of messianic prophecies fulfilled. It is estimated that during his life Jesus fulfilled hundreds of old testament prophecies. So fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah is one sense of completion, as Jesus said, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 22:44
- The death of Jesus was the final and complete payment for sin. So the completion we see here is that the on-going debt that sin created was fully paid by Jesus Christ.
- So, it is finished means to us, paid in full. Hebrews 10:12
- It is finished means the old covenant system of sacrifice, which was just a shadow of things to come, was replaced by the New Covenant in Christ. Hebrews 10:9
- It is finished means NOTHING can be added or needs to be added to the finished work of the Cross. Ephesians 2:8-9
- It is finished means reconciliation. The broken relationship between God and his people, set into motion in Genesis 3, was finally restored. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
- It is finished means God’s holy judgement and wrath was fully absorbed, on our behalf, by Jesus. The demands of the Law were met. Romans 3:25
- It is finished means Jesus fulfilled what He was sent by His Father to complete. John 6:38
- It is finished means there is no longer a barrier between us and God. Hebrews 10:19-20
- It is finished means ultimate victory over evil and darkness. Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14
- It is finished are 3 small words that mean everything to those who claim Jesus Christ as their Savior, Leader and Lord.
Respond:
-Write a prayer of gratitude to Jesus for the finished work of the cross and what this means for your life.
-Read the scripture passage again. Consider what you journaled. Consider what you noticed about the passage that wasn’t mentioned above.
-Find quiet and slow your mind and your breathing. Ask God to meet with you exactly where you are and just be with Him.