It Is Finished

HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025

SIMON VISS - YOUTH PASTOR

 “It Is Finished” 

Fewer statements carry more weight than Jesus’ words in John 19:30. The very words of Jesus in the Gospels amount to over 15,000, and if Jesus truly is the Son of God, then every single iota matters. We do well to cling to each of them, for they are the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We love the voice of our shepherd (John 10:14-18), and like a child who hears the voice of his loving father, some words are sweeter than others. So it is with the three words we read in John 19:30: Jesus’ tired, suffocating, and painful cry that consummates God’s redemptive plan for humanity, a cry that holds the entirety of the Bible in its wake. 

Few Words, Strong God 

Throughout Scripture, we find phrases from God’s voice that, while poor in word count, are rich in meaning. They contribute to the revealing of His power and character. In Genesis 1:3, His first words are “Let there be light,” showing his creative ability to bring something into existence out of nothing. He asks Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” and “What have you done?” (Gen. 3:9, 13) after they committed the first sin, proclaiming His active sovereignty. At Mt. Sinai, He reveals to Moses the nature of His consistent, eternal being, saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Ex. 3:14) God then charges Moses to lead the Israelites in their deliverance from slavery by telling Pharaoh, “Let my people go” (Ex. 9:1), showing His faithful care for His people. Even in moments where it feels dark and lonely, God proves that He still speaks in the quiet, with a “low whisper.” (1 Kings 19:12) 

When we read the gospel of John, Jesus has a few pithy statements himself. By claiming that he “and the Father are one” (10:30) and “before Abraham was, I am” (8:58), his words are of the same authority and strength because he is God. (14:24) He says things like “I am the bread of life,” (6:35) “I am the good shepherd,” (10:11) “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25), etc. This isn’t the place to uncover the wide expanse of meaning behind all of Jesus’ claims, but by themselves, they are bold and powerful. 

Strong Words, Weak God? 

But when we read John 19, Jesus is delivered to die on a cross. Identified as a blasphemer by the Jewish Sanhedrin and sent to be crucified under Pontius Pilate, Jesus is flogged, mocked, bloodied, and humiliated on Rome’s punishing device. It seems that anything that Jesus has to say at this point won’t have the same unction. His lungs are failing, he’s bleeding to death, and his voice is trembling. God looks like a failure. He looks weak. When it appears that Jesus has reached his bitter end, he utters “It is finished.” (19:30) Those words are empty without passages like Isaiah 53 and Hebrews 10: 

Surely he has borne our griefs 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet we esteemed him stricken, 

smitten by God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced for our transgressions; 

he was crushed for our iniquities; 

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 

and with his wounds we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:4-5 

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 

Hebrews 10:14 

Christ’s death was ugly, wretched, and unfathomable. But it was purposeful. It was planned. Our sins are ugly, wretched, and unfathomable. But Christ’s death pays for them. (1 John 2:2) Our grief and calamities put Christ on the cross. But his shed blood heals us. (Heb. 9:22) Our many transgressions deserve God’s pointed wrath. But Jesus’ single sacrifice provides salvation for many. (Heb. 9:28) Satan tells us, “It is impossible.” But Christ says, “It is finished.” From his weak diaphragm, Jesus announced to the world the completion of his work: the forgiveness of sins. While God seemed frail, He was the most glorified. 

Tender Savior 

Found in Jesus’ last words are the treasures of his love and faithfulness. Behind them are all of God’s plans and affections toward us. As you meditate on Christ and his death, may the following phrases serve as a companion to help you understand what he has done on the cross. He means what he says: 

It is finished. 

Burdens are gone. 

Debts are paid. 

God is satisfied. 

Freedom is won. 

Satan is crushed. 

Sins are forgiven. 

We were lost. 

He saved us. 

He loves us. 

Finally, consider your response to Christ’s finished work. If he means what he says, do we believe him? 

It is finished. 

Run to him. 

Cling to him. 

Receive his grace. 

Rest upon him. 

Obey his commands. 

Forgive one another. 

Pursue his kingdom. 

Remember his promises. 

Seek his face.