By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

His Work Is Done!

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 English Standard Version

Have you ever had a daunting project before you that was difficult to accomplish? And do you remember the joy and triumph that you had when you finished that challenging task?  Here my grandson, Jacob, is grinning just after we finished our patio project.  We dug out dirt, put in gravel, poured concrete, build bench frames, and covered them with composite boards.  It was a tough project and Jacob is both proud of this accomplishment and relieved to be done!

Jesus, God’s own Son, was given the most daunting project of all time.  His Father asked him to save the world by allowing himself to be arrested, beaten, crucified, mocked, and die.  As Jesus was breathing out his last breath, he uttered this cry, “it is finished!”  In that cry we hear his cry of victory and his exclamation of relief.

Jesus did for us what no one else could do.  He rescued us from sin and death and the devil by sacrificing himself upon the cross.  He willingly subjected himself to public shame, excruciating pain, and abandonment by his friends and his Father.  Through his sacrifice you and I are redeemed, our sins are paid for, we are set free to be God’s family.

Jesus did not turn back from the cross.  He stayed the course and fought the good fight and finished the race set before him.  And we cry out with Jesus in great joy and relief, “It is finished!”  Jesus has saved us and we are filled with joy and relief and everlasting gratefulness and thankfulness.  Thank you Lord Jesus, that you have saved us and you finished the work set before you!  Praise you, Lord!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado