Devotional 3.22 | Space for Grace | FRIDAY – Jesus’ Last Words (6) It is Finished

Jim

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Oct 5, 2020
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March 22nd
JESUS’ FINAL WEEK



FRIDAY – Jesus’ Last Words (6) It is Finished






Then when Jesus received the sour wine He said, It is finished and stands complete.

And having bowed his head, He delivered up the spirit.

John 19:30, An Expanded Translation (Wuest)



March 22nd      JESUS image.jpg

Action: After Gethsemane and Gabbatha came Golgotha. After six hours of crucifixion, Jesus cried out in victory, “It is finished” (τετέλεσται) (John 19:30; Ps 22:1). This meant more than the fact that he had fulfilled the OT Messianic prophecies. Some scholars assert that this word tetelestai was stamped on paid bills and debt certificates in the first century. The verb’s perfect tense describes a completed action with ongoing consequences. In other words, our debt (of sins against the law - Rom 5:13) was completely borne by Jesus and paid in full at the cross (Isa 53:6).


At the very time Jesus exclaimed, “It is finished”, Caiaphas killed the Passover lamb in the temple and the massive curtain that hid the Holy of Holies was split from top to bottom. According to early Jewish tradition, this curtain was said to be as thick as a man’s hand so that horses could not tear it apart, but this may be speculative. Imagine Caiaphas’ shock when he heard the ripping sounds above his head and watched as it was torn in half, leaving two sides of the once-massive curtain lying collapsed to his right and his left. The way to God was now open through the blood of the Lamb.


Application: Buddha’s last words were “Work hard to gain your own salvation." This contrasts to Jesus dying words, “It is finished” – for Jesus completed the works necessary for our salvation. Which way do you live – under religion that demands or under grace that supplies?


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Do you sometimes try to add to the completed work of Christ?
 

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