John 19:16-37
Wednesday, 14 October 2020
He [Jesus] said, “It is finished!” -John 19:30
Out of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross, this one- “It is finished” has great significance. “It” represents everything Jesus was sent to accomplish by Father GOD (V.28). Jesus came to earth with a mission: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34). Having completed all the work committed to Him by the Father -“I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4), Jesus spoke these words. Let us focus today on the accomplishments of Christ on the cross and thus understand the Power of His crucifixion.
Redemption of Sin The words “it is finished” in Greek translates -‘tetelestai’, which means ‘Paid in full.’ What was paid in full?—the debt of mankind, the debt of sin! Jesus paid the penalty for sin by His death on the cross so that we “sinners” would be made right with God (2Cor.5:21). Jesus came to seek the lost (Luke 19:10) and to reconcile sinful men to a holy God! (Romans 3:23-25).
Satan's defeat Satan no longer has power over us. His strongholds are broken. The death of Christ broke the power of him who holds the power of death- the devil! And freed us from the fear of death (Hebrew 2:14,15). Christ disarmed all powers and authorities of the evil one over us, triumphing over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:15).
The Separation of Jew and Gentile was removed Christ’s purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two- the Jew and the Gentile (for they could never meet on the same terms!), thus making peace, in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross! Through Christ, we both have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14-18).
Redemption from Curse of Law Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse. The Law demanded strict adherence if not which we would come under its curse. He redeemed us so that the blessing that was given to Abraham might come to Gentiles through Him! (Galatians 3:13,14)
Peace between Man and God Christ was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification so that through faith, we enter into peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
“Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven, wounded that we might be healed, endured our poverty that we might share his abundance, bore our shame that we might share his Glory, endured rejection that we might have acceptance with Father, was made a curse that we might receive the blessing.” [Adapted from: The Divine Exchange- Derek Prince]
The question is, have you accepted by faith what the sacrifice of Jesus has obtained for you? Are you now eager to enter into God’s full provision? Dear brothers and sisters, you no longer need to be under the yoke of the enemy if you would receive Christ into your life- He can make you a new creation –Jesus’ finished work is the start of a new life for all those who were once dead. Ephesians 2:5 says, He made us “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved”
Prayer: Lord Jesus give us the wisdom to understand the truths behind Your suffering and appropriate it into our lives that we may live a life pleasing to You. Amen
Listen: ‘Jesus Messiah’