based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d3
THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)
Scripture: John 18:1-19:42 / SOAP: John 19:30
When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30
Jesus knew the hour had come and what must be done so He called out, “I am thirsty.” Then after receiving the “sour wine” He announced: “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and died.
The fact that Jesus is said to “give up his spirit” is significant. Matthew and Luke make similar observations (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46). From a physical standpoint, Jesus’ body has suffered fatal injury. And yet, His death is entirely an act of His own will. That included His willingness to be born into human form (John 1:14), to submit to God’s will (Matthew 26:39), and to allow His own arrest and execution (Philippians 2:8). Whether literally, or as a statement of agreement, Scripture clarifies that Jesus is “giving up” His life to God the Father—it is not being stripped away from Him by force (John 10:17–18).
bibleref.com / John 19:30b
This portion of the crucifixion always makes me think of the song that proclaims that Jesus could have called ten-thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free. It is such a poignant reminder of the power He yielded on that cross, giving Himself over to death on a cross and to separation from the Father. Yes, He could have called ten-thousand angels to free Him from that cross, but He didn’t. In love and obedience and complete sacrifice He surrendered to the Father’s will and gave His life so that whosoever believes in Him would receive eternal life. Yes, Jesus could have called the angels but instead He suffered on the cross for our sins and paid the debt that only He could pay. He did what He knew must be done – and, then – in respect, “He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
Rest in the completed work of Jesus1.
John presents Jesus’ declaration here using the Greek word tetelestai. Archaeologists have found this word inscribed on records to indicate debts which have been paid, or obligations which have been met. That which Jesus was sent to accomplish—an atonement for sin on behalf of mankind (2 Corinthians 5:21)—is entirely and fully completed in this moment: “It is finished.” No further work needs to be done, nor can it be done (Titus 3:5). There is no room for other actions, rituals, sacraments, sacrifices, or payments to accomplish salvation (1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 10:12–14).
bibleref.com / John 19:30
Follow Jesus’ example and live yielded and surrendered to the will of God.2
2(I realize that this reference is not from our reading today; however, if Jesus had not surrendered to the Father’s will we would not know the blessing of His words: “Tetelestai!” – “It is finished,”
Going a little farther, Jesus threw himself down with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Matthew 26:39 NET
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY
Father, thank You for the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Thank You that no one took His life from Him but that He gave up His life for our sin-debt, a debt He did not owe but that could only be paid with His blood. How blessed we are to be loved by You, Father and Son and to be filled with Your Spirit! Help us to live as Jesus did, surrendered to Your will, not afraid to pray for an unwanted ‘cup’ to pass from us but given to loving You and others more than ourselves – even enough to pray and live out the example of Christ – “not my will but Yours be done.” Help us to live and to rest in the completed work of Christ on the cross. – Help us to remember that we do not have to work for the victory because through Christ’s finished work on the cross the victory is ours! – Hallelujah! and Amen – in Jesus’ Name!
THE MORE WE KNOW
What was finished at the cross?
For more insight be sure and read today’s LGG Blog Post
Me From the Inside Out 