IT IS FINISHED

                                   

                                                    “IT IS FINISHED”

How we say, “It is finished” expresses a great deal about our attitude regarding the task we have completed.  We work on a task, right up to the deadline, and say: “Well that will do. It is as ready as it ever will be. It is finally finished.”  What we are saying is: “I am not completely satisfied.” If I had more time, energy, or creativity I could and would make changes.

 Once in a while, after careful planning, good use of time and incredible luck, we have the satisfaction of saying, victoriously, “It is finished!”  We are able to say, “It is finished,” not because we have reached a deadline, but because it is finished according to the plan, and there are absolutely no changes to be made, everything is exactly as we wanted it.  There is no second guessing.   It is perfect!

 That is precisely what Jesus meant, when hanging on the cross in agony and said:  It Is Finished!” We might ask, “What is Finished?” (Read John 19:16-30)

There are Two Responses to that question. One is Chronological. The Other is Theological. Let us look at the Chronological one first.

Jesus spent three years in active ministry.  He called, trained and commissioned his disciples appointing them as Apostles, Messengers of the Good News, "The Kingdom of God is Hand."  They were able to heal, teach and do the things that Jesus did.  

Last week I asked to write down in your own words, the answer to this question:  "Who Is Jesus?" Peter said:  "You are the Christ, the Son of God." (Mathew 16:13-20) Then Jesus shocked the disciples when he told them he needed to go to Jerusalem, where he would be arrested, tried, mocked and crucified. On the third day be raised to life."  Peter said:  "No Lord! That can't happen to you" Jesus responded:  "Get Behind Me Satan!" (Mathew 16:21-23) Read of Jesus' Anticipated Glory when he was transformed on Mt. Hermon. (Mathew 17:1-13). Jesus then Re-Taught the disciples what "Greatness" was, using a child and then servant. (Mathew 19:13-15)

We began this week with Jesus Triumphantly entering Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey as "Prince of Peace." People used their cloaks and branches to lay a carpet on which the beasts of burden, carrying Jesus walked.  During the week Jesus, cleared the temple area of money changers. (Luke 18:45-46), healed the sick, taught openly about the Kingdom of God.  He then spent two days alone with his disciples, telling them, he was leaving this earth and would return.  In the meantime, Jesus would send a "Helper" (Holy Spirt) to be with them and remind them of everything Jesus had taught and done.  Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples, instructing his disciples, and through them us, how the meal would be a reminder of all Jesus had done and taught.  "The bread was his body, and the wine was his shed blood."  The disciples didn't fully understand what he was saying until Jesus appeared to them after he was raised from the grave.  "Do this in Remembrance of Me." (The Lord's Supper/Eucharist.)

Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, (Olive Press) to pray.  Three times he asked his disciples to prayer for him.  Each time they fell asleep.  Jesus Prayed:  "Father if there is any other way of removing the sin of humanity, "May This Cup Pass from Me. But not my will by Thine Be Done."  

Read John 18:1 and following verses.  "Jesus completes his Mission..."  The conclusion was the Cruel Crucifixion on a Roman Cross.  Even in agony Jesus cares for his mother:  "Dear women, here is your son (Apostle John).  And to John, "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27)

Everything that Jesus came to do on earth was "Finished."  

The Theological Meaning: Until Jesus came to Earth, a complicated system of sacrifices was given by God as a way of receiving forgiveness of sin.  Sin/disobedience separates people from God and often from one another. From the begging, God instructed that the blood and sacrifice of animal was how sin was forgiven. People kept disobeying God and sinning. God sent prophets calling people to return to following God and not worship other idols.  They spoke of a Messiah who would come to free them from sin.  Jesus was that Promised Messiah.  He came not as a conquering king but a Prince of Peace. 

Most know John 3:16. It was fulfilled through Jesus' death on the cross.  For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will be saved. That is the reason Jesus said:  "It Is Finished!"  He came to earth to take upon himself all the sin of the world, then, now and into the future.  

There was nothing left to be accomplished.  Jesus said: "It Is Finished!"  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (Died) (John 19:30) It is up to us to accept or refuse his forgiveness and promised life. 

I am often asked, why is today called "Good Friday?"  A cartoon "Wizard of Id, by John Hart gave an answer.  Wizard of Id:  "I hate the term Good Friday."  Friend:  "Why?".  Id:  "My Lord hanged on a tree (cross) that day."  Friend:  "If you were going you were going to be hanged on that day and He volunteered to take your place, how would you feel?"  Id: "Good" Friend:  "Have a nice day."

Read the rest of John 19 to learn what happened next.  On Saturday, reflect on what life would be like if the story of Jesus ended there   What would life be like if Jesus had remained in the grave.

Fortunately, there is Good News!  I will write to that tomorrow and post it on Sunday!