IT IS FINISHED

We’ve been remembering the events of Holy Week, the days between Palm Sunday and Easter. Now, let’s watch the Messiah’s final moments upon the cross.

“It was nine in the morning when they crucified him” (Mark 15:25). “From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice … ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’ ” (Matthew 27:45-46).

For six hours Jesus bore our sin and shame. Abandoned, alone, in utter darkness, the Sinless Son, “the one who did not know sin, (became) sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

“Mission accomplished!” Having paid the price, Jesus cried out in victory, “It is finished” (John 19:30). “Tetelestai!” “Paid in full!”

Having crushed the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.’ Saying this, he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46).

Jesus wasn’t murdered. The events at Calvary had been scripted from before time began (Revelation 13:8). Jesus suffered and died willingly. “I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again…” (John 10:18).

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,the emblem of suffering and shame;and I love that old cross where the dearest and bestfor a world of lost sinners was slain.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,a wondrous beauty I see,for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,to pardon and sanctify me.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).