John 19:28-37 is scripture for the message. Verse 30 is the text: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
The Jews were unconcerned about most aspects of what they did to Jesus. They alway pick and choose what they will obey. In Deuteronomy 21:23 it says His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. They chose to obey this. Legs of people on the cross were broken to hasten their death so they would be taken off the cross before the Sabbath began at 6pm. Soldiers knew from experience when someone was dead. Jesus was so they chose not to break his legs. This fulfilled scripture that none of his bones would be broken. They did pierce his side, further proof came that he was dead, in that blood and water came forth. Jesus bowed his head and died and committed his spirit to God. When he did, many things were finished.
One–the work given him to do on earth was finished. His mission was accomplished. In the prayer of John 17 Jesus made the statement I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. All the miracles should have pointed to the fact that he was the Messiah, yet many refused to believe. We must come to God through Jesus Christ. John 6:36-37 reminds us of this: him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Come to him and he will receive you. He came to do the will of God who sent him; it was finished.
Two–the suffering was finished. He was called a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He was tempted in all points, just as we are, yet he never sinned. He had no place to lay his head. He who owned it all became poor so that we could become rich. Because he suffered, one day my suffering will be over. We’ll have a better day one of these days.
Three–he finished the prophecies concerning him. Luke 24:44 says And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. The law, the prophets, and the psalms–he fulfilled all that was written of him. It was finished at Calvary. The ceremonial law pointed toward Jesus. We’re not bound by this, but the principles apply. We worship and love a holy God. The civil law in regards to their daily living was fulfilled by example in Jesus Christ. He lived a life required by God. In regards to the law, if you were guilty of one part you were guilty of it all. Jesus fulfilled all of it. The perfection God required we cannot do. Jesus did. Through him we are righteous in the eyes of God. God sees us through his Son–perfect. It was finished at Calvary.
Four–the Law of Moses was finished. God was in the flesh. He was without sin. He who had never broken the Law went to Calvary for all who had broken it–all humanity. This is the way it is. You either die for your own sin and be eternally separated from God or you allow Christ to pay it for you by applying his blood to your sin debt. He fulfilled what the Law required.
Five–the plan of redemption was finished. As believers we are made perfect in God’s sight. The sin question is settled. Jesus paid the penalty. He bore my sin. We become perfect through Jesus Christ and him alone. There is no other sacrifice. To deliberately reject Jesus means you cannot be accepted by God. There will be no other Calary. No other blood will be shed. One grave and it’s empty. The plan of salvation is finished. We can only be saved by the blood of Jesus. Praise the name of the Lord!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 