December 10

It Is Finished

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit. — John 19:30 BSB

This was our Lord’s sixth word on the cross. His work was done; every task He was given was completed, and nothing more remained except to die. Many people reach the end of their lives with unfinished work, but though Jesus lived a short life, He was ready to go. He had done the work assigned to Him each day, and when the final moment came, there was nothing left undone. We should learn from this and strive to live like Jesus, ensuring that we complete our work each day so that when our time comes, nothing is left unfinished. This is only possible if we take each day's duties from God's hand and fulfill them faithfully. Then, when the end comes, we’ll have no regrets.

But what exactly was finished when Christ bowed His head on the cross? The work of redemption was completed. The atonement for sin was made. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that the way to God was now open to all. A famous painting depicts Christ on the cross with an endless line of saints emerging from darkness into the light of His sacrifice. It’s clear that Jesus envisioned this moment of redemption while He hung on the cross. We’re told He “endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy set before Him”—the joy of welcoming home the souls He redeemed.

“It is finished” was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of victory. Death appeared to be the end, but it wasn’t. Jesus entered the grave, but He didn’t stay there. He rose again, triumphant, and because He lives, all His people will live too.