"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit". John 19:30
Jesus' final words before his death are more poignant, more powerful than any 'last words' spoken by anyone throughout all history. Here Jesus signifies the completion of His work and the ushering in of a completely new way for man to come to God.
It was finished - the mocking, the ridicule and derision was now complete. No longer would He have to endure the lashes of the whip or feel the blow of the soldiers' fists. His battered and bruised body could finally rest.
But these words are more significant than simply referring to the end of Jesus' physical, mental and spiritual suffering - in this moment the requirement for sacrifice, for man to try to earn God's approval through good works was finished forever.
Through Jesus' death, the entire system of animal sacrifice was finished, relationship with God based on good works and satisfying the law was finished. The God who had appeared so distant, hidden behind the temple veil had come close and made another way that was now complete.
Today on this Good Friday, remember that it is finished! Jesus has done it all for you - all you need to do is to accept what His death on the cross has achieved for you...free relationship with God!
IT IS FINISHED!