It is Finished—It is Accomplished
“I...accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do. It is finished. It is accomplisted.” Joh 17:1-5, 19:30

Most people know the agony of the unfinished: tasks half done, letters to write, papers to read, debts to pay, phone calls to make. Jesus’ words from the cross releases knotted nerves, refreshes us. “It is finished! It is accomplished.” This word from the cross is one of victory. Paul writes of the great deed which God “accomplished in Christ when He raised Him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:20) and could say, “I have finished the race.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

The phrase “it is finished” had many meanings for many folks. For the crowd beneath the cross the crisis was at last over. News stories about events seem never to end. But for the crowd this story about Jesus was at last ended. The people said, “I’m glad it’s over.” “I don’t think we will hear much more about Jesus and his followers.” Of course crowds can be wrong.

For the enemies of Jesus, he was finished at last. An imposter was dead. A usurper had been disposed of. It was a close call but a last we’ve won. It was a come from behind victory. He’ll soon be forgotten. This crucifixion will silence him forever. What can a dead man do? Of course temple rulers can be wrong.

For the Roman soldiers a dirty duty was done. He was finished all right. We specialize in killing. When we crucify, the man is dead. They were just carrying out orders.”You do what you have to do.” Crucifixion is a nasty job to pull, but some of us have to do it. All in a day’s work—another day, another shekel, right? Why will we be guarding the tomb? He is finished. Of course Roman soldiers can be wrong.

For Jesus “it is finished” mean his suffering was ended. His mission was accomplished. “Love’s redeeming work is done” hallelujah! “I have accomplished the work which though gavest me to do.” What is that work? “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!”

To the disciples the cross meant defeat by death. To Jesus Christ the cross meant defeat of death. To the disciples the cross was an instrument of defeat, to Jesus and instrument of victory. For the disciples it was black Friday, for Jesus—Good Friday.

 

 

 

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