Explores the significance of Jesus' words "It is finished," emphasizing the fulfillment of His mission, the defeat of evil, and our resulting freedom.
Beloved friends, as we gather in this sacred space, I am reminded of the words of Martin Luther, who once said, "Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning and is coming back tomorrow." This profound statement encapsulates the essence of our faith, a faith that is centered on the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of John, specifically John 19:30. The scripture reads as follows:
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.'"
These words, spoken by our Savior in His final moments on the cross, echo through the annals of time and resonate within our hearts today.
Our discourse today will revolve around three main points: the Fulfillment of Christ's Mission, the Fall of the Devil's Power, and the Freedom through the Finished Work. Each of these points, while distinct, are intricately woven together in the majestic tapestry of God's grand narrative of redemption.
As we reflect on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we find that His mission was not a spontaneous venture, but a divine assignment meticulously planned by God Himself. From the moment of His birth to His final breath on the cross, every step Jesus took was in perfect alignment with the Father's will. His mission was not a mere afterthought or a secondary plan, but the very heartbeat of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
The Old Testament: Here, we see countless prophecies pointing to the coming Messiah. These prophecies, scattered throughout the scriptures, paint a vivid picture of a Savior who would come to rescue His people. When Jesus stepped onto the scene, He was not just fulfilling these prophecies; He was fulfilling God's mission. Every miracle He performed, every sermon He preached, every person He healed was a testament to this mission. He was not just a good teacher or a miracle worker; He was the embodiment of God's love and grace to a broken world. His life was a living testament to the mission He was sent to accomplish.
The Gospel of John: This in particular highlights the fulfillment of this mission. In John 4, we see Jesus meeting with a Samaritan woman at a well. In this encounter, Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah, the one who was sent to fulfill God's mission. He tells the woman, "I who speak to you am He." This was not just a casual conversation; it was a declaration of His mission.
John 6: Here, Jesus feeds five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle was not just about meeting physical needs; it was a demonstration of His mission to provide spiritual nourishment. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Again, we see the fulfillment of His mission.
John 11: Here, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This miracle was not just about showcasing His power over death; it was a proclamation of His mission to give eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." Once more, we see the fulfillment of His mission.
John 14: Here, Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise was not just about providing comfort; it was a guarantee of His mission to be with His followers always. Jesus said, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever." Yet again, we see the fulfillment of His mission.
Common thread: In each of these instances, we see Jesus fulfilling His mission. He was not just going through the motions; He was living out the mission that God had entrusted to Him. His life was not a series of random events, but a purposeful pursuit of God's mission. As we reflect on the fulfillment of Christ's mission, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us. We are reminded that God sent His Son, not as a distant deity, but as a personal Savior. We are reminded that Jesus came, not to condemn us, but to save us. We are reminded that His mission was not just about doing good deeds, but about bringing us into a relationship with God.
As we continue to reflect on the powerful words of Jesus, "It is finished," we find ourselves standing at the foot of the cross, witnessing the cosmic battle between good and evil ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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