Part 6 of the Word on the Cross Series
John 19:30; Luke 23: 46
Ptr. Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
The empty cross is a sign that Jesus completed His mission – it was finished! Jesus said, it is finished, it is done, the work is completed. The phrase it is finished can only be found in the gospel of John 19:30. Jesus’ final words on the cross are taken to have great significance. It’s sort of His last will and testament. He expressed His will and testament to the people whom He came to love and die for; and to His Father whom He loved and obeyed, even unto death. “It is finished!” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”, were Jesus’ final words that convey the completion of His greatest work on earth. Let’s take a look at the 6th saying first and then we will move on with the 7th.
I. It is Finished! John 19:30
When somebody says, it is done, it refers to the work that he aimed to complete. So, what was the work that Jesus finished? The first is the ceremonial law…
1. Christ completed the Old Testament ceremonial law.
From Genesis up to Malachi, God’s people offered continuously to the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins. Year after year they offered, but were unable to completely finish the ceremonial work.
Jesus came to complete that. He died once and for all time. See Hebrews 10:8-10
2. Christ completely paid for our sins. It is Finished! (tetelestai) John 19:30
The Greek word tetelestai is a business word, specifically a receipt that says, “paid in full”.
Jesus fully paid for our sins on the cross. His death was a sufficient and acceptable payment for our sin and unrighteousness. See 1 Peter 1:19-20
3. Christ completely reconciled us to His Father.
Sin separated us from God. And it is only through Christ that we have been reconciled with God. See Colossians 1:19-22
We now have become part of God’s family. See Ephesians 2:19
II. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” Luke 23:46
“44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Luke 23:44-46
1. God mourns for His loved One.
The place was covered with darkness – a color of grief.
The all-knowing and all-powerful God has a soft heart.
He cares for His loved ones.
Don’t you think we should also be more caring with one another?
Starting today, how can you best express care to another person?
2. God reigns in life and death.
“Father, into your hands…”
God has the power to grant life and death.
God has appointed a time for each man to die once and then judgment. See Hebrews 9:27.
Your life matters to God. He is interested in your future.
How can you best show your conviction that God actually reigns in your life?
3. God receives the spirit of His children.
“I commit my spirit.”
Jesus, even in His final moment, encouraged His people, that there is resurrection.
We will all leave everything behind and the only thing that we can carry is our faith in Jesus.
Is there something taking the place of Jesus in your life? Is there something more important than Jesus? How can you show your complete devotion to the One who gave you eternal life?
Starting today, examine yourself, see what’s really important, of utmost importance, and give your life to it or to that person. If it is Jesus then love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Remember, Jesus does not want a lukewarm relationship. See Rev. 3:16