John 19:28-30 - It Is Finished — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 19:28-30. Listen.

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

These verses describe the final moments of Jesus' life on the cross. It's a scene of intense physical suffering, but also one of profound spiritual significance.

First, we see Jesus' physical agony. After hours on the cross, his body is wracked with pain, his strength ebbing away. In this state, he cries out, "I am thirsty." It's a stark reminder of his humanity, of the reality of his suffering.

The soldiers respond by offering Jesus wine vinegar, a cheap, sour wine that was a common drink of the poor and the soldiers. It's offered to Jesus on a sponge, lifted to his lips on a stalk of hyssop. This detail is significant, as hyssop was used in the Passover ritual to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the doorposts (Exodus 12:22). It's a subtle indication that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood saves us from death.

But the central focus of this passage is Jesus' final words: "It is finished." In the original Greek, this is a single word, "tetelestai." It was a word used in business transactions to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. It was also used in military contexts to report a mission accomplished.

In this context, Jesus is declaring that his mission is complete. The debt of sin has been paid, the work of redemption accomplished. All that the Father sent him to do has been fulfilled.

This is a moment of ultimate victory, even though it looks like defeat. Jesus' death is not a tragic end, but the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. Through his death, Jesus conquers sin and death, opening the way for us to have eternal life.

After this declaration, Jesus "gave up his spirit." This is not a passive surrender, but an active choice. Jesus willingly lays down his life, in obedience to the Father and out of love for us.

As we reflect on this passage, we are confronted with the depth of Jesus' love for us. He endured the cross, with all its pain and shame, for our sake. His death was not an accident or a tragedy, but a deliberate act of sacrificial love.

We are also encouraged by the assurance of Jesus' victory. The cross is not the end of the story. Jesus' final words, "It is finished," are a declaration of triumph. Through his death, he has won for us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.

Finally, we are challenged to consider our response to Jesus' sacrifice. How do we live in light of what he has done for us? Are we living each day in gratitude for his love, in obedience to his commands, in the power of his victory?

As we stand at the foot of the cross, let's ask ourselves: Do I grasp the depth of Jesus' love for me? Am I living in the assurance of his victory? How can I honor his sacrifice in my daily life?

May we look to the cross and see there the lengths of God's love, the assurance of our salvation, and the call to a life of grateful discipleship.

God bless you.