Daily Wisdom..."It Is Finished"

“It is finished:” John 19:30

It is Friday, April 3^rd, A.D. 33; the start of the darkest period in human history unfolds over the next three days, culminating with the most gruesome of deaths perpetrated by man.  But, what lies ahead is not only the worst it’s also the best of all human deaths,   leaving a brilliant brushstroke on the canvas of human history.  In Jerusalem, God the Son, the creator of all (Jn 1:3), will be crucified.  Four of the greatest events in human history took place in the span of three days against Jesus that fulfilled the future of mankind.  In the Garden…”It Is Contrived” Judas, as prophesied by a kiss (Lk 22:48), delivers Jesus into the hands of the soldiers. Yet, in the midst of His arrest a miracle is performed for a soldier named Malchus and judgment is not allowed to be asserted by Peter.   In the Court…”It Is Condemned”  At Caiaphas’s  house, the High Priest, the trial progresses quickly to charged Jesus with blasphemy. Growing irritated and impatient during the early morning uprising, Caiaphas demands Jesus to declare Himself as the Son of God (Mt 26:63). Jesus, holding His peace, responds “Thos hast said…” the high priest proclaims blasphemy and declares: “He is guilty of death.” (Mt 26:66).  In the Government…”It Is Confirmed”  In spite of Pilate’s and Herod’s efforts to appease the court with other options to quench their thirst for blood, it was of no avail the court was willing to let a thief and murderer go free to ensure the death of Jesus. The Triune God grants authority (Jn 19:11) allowing the powers to be the ability to execute unwittingly the only innocent death to redeem man.  At the Cross…”It Is Finished”   In the early morning hours Jesus is paraded before man.  Beaten and bloodied from the Roman soldier’s creative cruelty, Jesus labors to carry the cross, on which He will eventually die, to the hill of Golgotha. By (9:00 A.M.) Jesus, flanked by two thieves on either side, hangs on what is the most gruesome and agonizing deaths man has devised.  Labeled by a sign hanging over His head that reads “King of the Jews” is short of truth, He is the “King of Kings.” As chants bellow out of the mouths of His condemners for Him to save Himself (Lk 23:35), they understand not that such an act would end the hopes of man.   Now as noon (12:00) approaches, darkness falls on mid-day, bringing confusion to those who watch. But, worse is the darkness that approaches Jesus. With it a pain looms that is felt beyond the clanging of nails that pierced His body or lashes that shredded His back.   At this hour, the Fathers wrath falls upon Jesus, at this moment He is no longer the blessed, but the Cursed (Gal 3:13). Jesus has become sin (2 Cor 5:21).  And for the first time in eternity past, Jesus is separated from the Father and the Holy Spirit creating complete isolation and loneliness for our Saviour. In this moment Jesus, God in flesh, screams in human emotions: “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani” (My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me) Mt. 27:46.  No greater love has ever been displayed or fulfilled by man (Jn 15:13)! At 3:00 P.M. Jesus, knowing that all things were accomplished…” supped His last drink and said: “IT IS FINISHED” (Jn 19:30).

Interesting that through man’s pride and arrogance he boastfully proclaims…”It Is…” to no avail.  Only Christ has the power and ability to proclaim “It Is Finished.” It’s those words that ensure man of his eternal promise in Christ Jesus!

HSAY…Todd