Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We gather here today, not as strangers, but as a family knitted together by the love of God, bound by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and empowered by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. We are here to share in the Word, to find nourishment for our souls, and to be equipped for the work God has prepared for us.

As we open our hearts and minds to the Word of God today, let us remember the words of the great preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." Indeed, the Word of God is a limitless ocean, always fresh, always new, always revealing greater depths of God's wisdom, love, and grace.

Today, we turn our attention to the book of John, chapter 19, verse 30. Let's read it together: "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." This single verse, a mere dozen words in English, carries a weight of meaning that has echoed down through the centuries. It speaks of the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the victory over sin and death.

Jesus' Judicious Journey

As we turn our gaze to the life of Jesus, we see a path marked by wisdom and discernment. From His early years in the temple, astounding the scholars with His understanding, to His final moments on the cross, Jesus' life was a testament to the judicious choices He made. Each step He took, each word He spoke, each miracle He performed was not random or impulsive, but rather a deliberate act in accordance with His Father's will.

Consider, for instance, the beginning of His public ministry. When He was baptized by John the Baptist, the heavens opened, and the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. A voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This divine endorsement was not just a stamp of approval but a clear indication of the path Jesus was to tread.

Then there was the time He spent in the wilderness, fasting for forty days and nights. Satan came to tempt Him, offering Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would only bow down and worship him. Yet, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, responded with the Word of God, refusing to deviate from His divine mission. This was not just a demonstration of His power over temptation but a clear affirmation of His commitment to do His Father's will, no matter the cost.

Jesus' interactions with the religious leaders of His day also reveal His judicious nature. He was often confronted by the Pharisees and Sadducees, who sought to trap Him with their questions. Yet, Jesus, with His wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures, always had the perfect response. He exposed their hypocrisy, challenged their traditions, and pointed them to the true meaning of the law. His words were not just rebuttals but powerful declarations of truth that revealed the heart of God.

Finally, we see Jesus' judicious nature in His decision to go to the cross. Despite the agony and humiliation that awaited Him, He chose to lay down His life for us. In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." This was not just an act of surrender but a profound demonstration of His love for us and His obedience to His Father.

Jesus' Justified Judgment

As we turn our attention to Jesus' Justified Judgment, we find ourselves standing on holy ground ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO