Making Our Way to Calvary - Pt 8

 

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A 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. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28–30 ESV).

 

Today we come to the last two “statements on the Cross” as John records Jesus’ words. It should be remembered that John was the only disciple actually present at the crucifixion. While he was the last to write about the events of Jesus’ ministry, his recollection certainly had great influence in the early church. James Russell Miller (1840–1912), was a prolific American Presbyterian author and pastor renowned for his devotional writings. He authored some 60 to 80 books, including bestsellers like In Green Pastures and Silent Times. His works sold over two million copies during his lifetime. He also pastored several influential churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, notably growing Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia from 75 to 1,200 members during his tenure. As we turn our attention to Jesus’ last utterance, it would do well to hear Miller on this topic:

 

The three hours of darkness was ending. The light was breaking. The Scripture tells us that Jesus then cried out in a loud, strong voice. It was not the cry of exhaustion and faintness; it was the shout of a victor. The cross seemed like defeat. Those who understood nothing of the meaning of the life and death of Christ, would think of Him as a man who had failed, all of whose dreams and hopes had perished. But we who understand something at least of the meaning of His mission and of the great purpose of His life, know that nothing failed. "It is finished," was the shout of a victor in the hour of His glorious success. It told of the completion of His work. All had been accomplished that He set out to do. His work was done. He had nothing more to do. There was no reason why He should live an hour longer, for the last task had now been done. A little while before, He said in His prayer in the upper room, "I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work which you gave me to do." When He said in dying, "It is finished!" He meant that there was nothing whatever left now for Him to do.

 

The phrase “it is finished” in the original language is τετέλεσται (tetelestai). It is from the root telos; which means to end (i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt), accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform). The root means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength achieving the full capacity of effectiveness). Perhaps the most amazing thing about all of Jesus’ death is how the plan of God was completed in that very moment. It was revealed in the moments after Adam and Eve sinned (cf. Genesis 3:15).

 

The is much left to discover about the Cross Event; however, this we can know now. Jesus’ work of atonement was completed in that moment. There is nothing that remains for our debt of sin to be forgiven. That gives me such relief and hope. Even when I wildly succeed in doing a good thing, it would never be enough to pay the debt I owe. It would never be enough to prevent the death I deserve. Only Jesus’ act of sacrifice could do that. And now it is utterly finished! Hallelujah!