Easter Devotional Series: The Words of Jesus
I am grateful you’re taking the time during this holy season to pause and reflect as we explore some of the words of Jesus.
Today we are focused on Good Friday. This is the day we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus was arrested, beaten, and sentenced to death by crucifixion ordered by Pontius Pilate. Jesus was nailed to a cross at Calvary and suffered immensely before dying that afternoon.
If this is a day of remembering this tragic event, why then do we call it Good Friday. What was so good about our Savior dying? To answer that question, we can consider Jesus’ final words from the cross.
As Jesus, in His human flesh, hung on the cross, His final request was something to drink. He said, “I am thirsty,” (John 19:28). A sponge soaked in wine vinegar was lifted to His lips. After he received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30). He then bowed his head and gave us His spirit.
“It is finished” means “It is accomplished” or “It is completed.” By saying this, Jesus was declaring that His atoning sacrifice for sin was now complete. The mission He came to fulfill by dying on the cross for the sins of humanity, my sins and your sins, had been completed. This is the good that came from this horrific event. “It is finished” signified the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption through His son’s perfect sacrifice.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we’re reminded that His sacrifice on the cross was entirely sufficient for us. The penalty for our sin has been paid in full by the perfect Lamb of God. We need only to believe and accept this precious sacrifice as a gift from God. This Easter season, let’s approach this Good Friday with gratitude as we remember the sacrifice and the good that comes from it, the good news that our salvation has been achieved for us through Jesus. Let’s rest in the truth that it is finished.
One Response
Thank you Jesus for dying for me! All I am, all I ever will be, I owe it all to thee!
I love you, Jesus!