The Finished Work of The Cross

“A jar full of sour wine stood there,
so they put a sponge full of the sour wine
on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.
When Jesus had received the sour wine,
he said “It is finished” and he bowed
his head and gave up his spirit.”

— John 19:29-30 ESV

In the quiet moments of our lives, when the world feels like chaos, and life’s burdens feel heavy, there is a profound peace to be found in the final moments of Jesus' time on Earth.

John 19:29-30 sets the scene of immense suffering, yet in that moment Jesus did everything that needed to be done for us.

"A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said "It is finished "and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:29-30)

In these verses, we see the culmination of a life defined by perfect obedience. Jesus did not just endure the cross, he chose it. His every breath was a “yes” to his Father’s will.

In my life I have often viewed obedience as a set of rules or obligations. But for Jesus, obedience was an act of love and intimacy toward his Father. He trusted his Father’s heart therefore Jesus drank the "cup" set before him.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8)

When Jesus cried out "It is finished" He was not declaring defeat. He was announcing a completion. The Greek word used here is Tetelestai which means "Paid in Full".

This is the ultimate expression of God's love toward us. He saw all the mistakes we would have, all the hurt we may have caused, all the pain we would carry, yet Jesus still paid our debt. His love toward us does not waiver.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

So how do we tie this into our lives day-to-day, when our Monday mornings are difficult, hard conversations need to be had, and offense and lies creep in?

We can rest in the finished work and remind ourselves that we do not need to earn God’s favor. Being rooted in love means knowing our identity in him because of the sacrifice that was made, and simple acts of obedience become our second nature as we mature in the Lord.

When we choose to be kind when we are tired, or being honest when it is difficult, we are walking in the footsteps of the One who gave everything for us.

RESPONDING TO HIS LOVE

As you go through your week, remember that you are loved completely by God. Let that love be the foundation of your life. When we are rooted in that reality, our simple “Yes” to God becomes lighter and hearts become full. We can live from a place of abundance and gratitude.

Lord, thank you for the finished work of the cross. Help me rest in your love today and to find joy
in obeying you, just as Jesus did. Amen.