Read John 19:28-30. Circle the word(s) that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 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. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Reflections on the Word.
I wonder what most Christians think about just before their last breath. Are they calm or anxious? Do they think of their loved ones whom they will see in Heaven? Do they reflect about their relationship with God? Are there any regrets that are still clinging as their lives draw to a close? I like to think that most of us can’t wait to see our Savior.
John records what he saw of the last few minutes of Jesus life. He says, “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished…30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (NIV).
Jesus had no regrets about his life. He had fulfilled the Father’s will, even going to His death on a cross. He knew that death was not the end of his life for he believed the Father would raise him to life again. It is comforting to know that we have run the best race we could have for God. But none of us are perfect. There still will be some regrets due to our own selfishness and sin, but Lord willing, overall, it will not be a regrettable life.
The words of Jesus, “It is finished” are more than being the atoning sacrifice before God. Could it be that on the cross that Jesus reflected about his whole life, including time with his parents and siblings, his work as a carpenter, and his ministry in Israel?
Jesus has finished that all the Father has directed him to do and to say. It wasn’t partially done or mostly done. He had submitted his whole life to the Father. When Jesus uttered, “It is finished.” I believe it is more than just obtaining salvation for us. For Jesus to be the Lamb of God, he not only had to live a sinless life, but also a perfect life in all its facets to the Father.
One can live a life of avoidance of sin by living in a monastery or as a hermit in the wilderness, but that may not be fulfilling the will of God. One can avoid outward sins, but can one honestly say that s/he has fulfilled the will of God?
Jesus was able to fully rest in God. He has seen what the Father has done in and through him. Now he will trust the Father for what he will do for him. Upon our personal reflections, ultimately, we must rest in the promises of our Savior. Yes, there may be times for confession of disobedience, yet we realize that God is gracious and forgiving us of our sins.
When we are about to close our eyes on this earth, let us be assured that our eyes will be open again in the presence of our Savior and loved ones. The race was finished for him and one day the race will be finished for us.
May our last words even be, “It is finished. I have sought to do your will, Father. Receive me into your presence with joy.”
-Kingston