It Is Finished!

At the culmination of His earthly journey, Jesus uttered the profound words, “It is finished.” In that moment, one can only imagine the myriad of thoughts racing through the minds of the onlookers, from the distraught followers to the hardened soldiers. Did they grasp the weight of His declaration?

With those words, Jesus signified that He had fulfilled every purpose that God the Father had ordained for Him. But what does that truly entail?

To understand this, we must look back to Genesis 2, where we find a vivid portrayal of God, known as Elohim, the Creator, as He intricately designed the breathtaking Garden of Eden. Picture a lush paradise filled with a tapestry of vibrant trees, succulent fruits, and an array of delightful animals, all functioning harmoniously in an environment of pure beauty. In this serene haven, God formed Adam, breathing life into him and entrusting him with this magnificent gift. Adam and Eve had every conceivable delight within reach, yet amid such abundance, God issued a crucial command: they were forbidden to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

For generations, the mystery of why God would place that tree in the garden and simultaneously prohibit its fruit has sparked deep contemplation. The essential truth about our sovereign and just God is His unwavering commitment to grant us the gift of choice. Unlike marionettes on strings, we are endowed with free will, allowing us to make our own decisions.

Tragically, Adam’s act of disobedience set in motion a cascade of dire consequences. Their sinful choice resulted in a curse upon the earth itself; Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, and two majestic angels were placed at its gates, their swords drawn to guard against any return. Sin ushered in death and wrought a profound separation from our Heavenly Father.

However, the narrative does not conclude with despair. In the poignant words of Isaiah 63:5, we find hope: “I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one gave support, so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.” This verse poignantly highlights the stark reality that no righteous individual could attain the atonement for our sins. Thus, in His boundless love, God sent His only Son to take our place, enduring the weight of humanity’s transgressions and bearing the punishment that rightfully belonged to us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. “John 3:16 NIV

Jesus Christ, God incarnate, came to our earthly realm with a profound purpose: to unconditionally love us by sacrificing Himself on a rugged cross. His life, characterized by unparalleled righteousness, was exalted by God as the supreme atoning sacrifice for all who fall short of His glory. In this immense act of divine love, Jesus bore the unimaginable weight of our sins – past, present, and future – facing the punishment that we deserved.

What I recently discovered is truly awe-inspiring: the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection was near a serene garden. The Scriptures recount, “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but he secretly feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in strips of linen with the spices, following Jewish burial customs. Near the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden with a new tomb, which no one had ever used. Since it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:38-42 NIV)

 

Isn’t it remarkable how our Heavenly Father works? In the lush yet tragic Garden of Eden, sin entered through one man, creating an insurmountable divide between humanity and God, leading to death, shame, and unforgiveness. Yet, in the second garden, Jesus Christ chose to take on our transgressions, willingly laying down His life for our salvation. His sacrifice bridges the chasm that sin had created, restoring our intimate relationship with our Creator. Through His righteousness, we receive the invaluable gift of salvation, showered upon us purely by grace.

What a profound truth to share, friends! This gift of salvation is freely offered to every person on earth. The only requirement is that we acknowledge our need for a Savior and choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Master. As He boldly proclaimed in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Easter symbolizes not just the forgiveness of our sins, but also the promise of a fresh beginning and our restoration with God the Father. It brings with it the assurance that, because Jesus triumphed over death, we too can face the uncertainties of tomorrow, holding onto the hope of living eternally with Him.

Reflection and Takeaway:

1. Have you ever felt lost and questioned your worthiness of God’s forgiveness? Reflect on the incredible gift of redemption that God extends to us through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
2. Jesus took our place, absorbing the punishment we deserved for our sins. Have you invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
3. Embrace His love and find your true worth in Him as your Lord and Savior?

Prayer

Our Father who art in Heaven, Holy is Your name. Thank You for Your unwavering love, mercy, faithfulness, and grace. Where would I be without Jesus taking my place on the cross? I was lost in my sins, shame, and fears until You came down from Heaven to bear my burdens. Only You, Jesus, could set me free from the chains of sin. Because of You, I can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing You are with me, and one day I will see You face-to-face. May my life reflect Your glory, Jesus. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. In Your precious name, Amen.

 

Reference

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

Misfit Jax- Photograph. Misfit Jax@Pinterest