Good Friday (Part 2) "It Is Finished"

John 19 
 
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and “They will look on the one they pierced.”

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​Remember when the week started? Jesus does. Perhaps at this point the smell of the nard is long gone; now covered by all the dirt, spit, and blood. The streets that were full of cheers become full of mocking. The group of friends he came into to town with are now all scattered and scared. There is an uproar going all throughout the town. It seems like there are surprises at every turn; but Jesus is not surprised.
 
There are hundreds of prophecies that are fulfilled by Jesus’ ministry. He knew exactly what he came to do. His ministries of preaching, healing, miracles, and traveling all over the region, were supposed to lead him right to this place and this very moment. On this tree. In between these two criminals. Suffering through: torture, public humiliation, verbal abuse, watching his friends go through trauma, hearing lies about himself, and the list goes on. It was all supposed to lead him right here. 
 
And now it is done. Because of Jesus, and only Jesus, we are saved. "It is finished."

Prayer:
​Jesus, you are enough. Amen.