Day 37 – It Is Finished
JOHN 19:28-30
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
(John 19:28-30)
The glory of the death of Jesus is very understated. The Holy Scriptures tell us some of what was done to Him, but it includes very few words about the anguish of His suffering. Jesus knew that He had finished the work He came to accomplish. Having done all, He gave up His spirit.
Reflection
- Do you think Jesus decided when He was going to die?
- How would Jesus know He had finished His work here?
- Hyssop was used to smear the blood of the Passover Lamb onto the doorways of Israelite homes before their Exodus from Egypt. Do you see any patterns emerging here?
ISAIAH 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).
These words point to a person who was willing to suffer for the benefit of others. It is clear that a substitution has been made so that others would be healed.
Reflection
- Does this individual sound like Jesus?
- Is this consistent with God’s plan of redemption for sin?
- Can one man make this much difference in the Kingdom of God?
