Sometimes the simplest of sentences are the most complex.
“It is finished.”
In English, just three words—twelve letters—uttered by Jesus and recorded in John 19:30. But how powerful, and how beautiful, this three-word sentence is.
It
The mission Jesus had come to fulfill.
Everything that Jesus had done to this point mattered, of course. His miracles affirmed His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. His teachings clarified God’s Kingdom plans. His life of perfect obedience preserved His right to be the Messiah.
But all of these were part of Jesus’ grander mission—to be the sinless sacrifice. To take the sins of the world upon Himself and suffer and die as a substitute.
This is what “it” is. This is what Jesus had in mind. This is the work the Father had given to the Son for Him to complete and in doing so give the Father glory (John 17:4).
Is
A present tense state of definitive existence.
Not “might be.” Not even “will be.” But “is.” Hear the clarity and confidence in this simple word. Jesus leaves nothing to question. Nothing to doubt. Nothing to deny. Immediately after uttering this, Jesus would bow His head and give up His spirit. His death has come. And in this nanosecond in the midst of human history—of eternity even—all of God’s promises to undo what sin had made wrong had come to pass.
This was not the time for “one day.” This was not the time for God to utter, “I will.” This was the time for “is.” The time is now. That long-waited moment is here.
Finished
A mark of absolute completion.
All of the work is done. All. Not some. Not most. All. Christ has done it all, leaving nothing for us to do.
Sin has been defeated.
Death has been dethroned.
God’s promises have come to pass.
The New Covenant has been established.
Etched in stone, forevermore.
This is what the message of the cross. What is foolish to the world is the power for those of us who believe. An object of torture, shame, and defeat has become a crown of glory, hope, and life. All that is left for us is to offer a three-word sentence in response.
It is finished.
Thank You, Jesus.
He is the One who, although he was silent in his passion, will not be silent finally in the day of reckoning. He is our God, even if unrecognized. He is already known among the faithful and all who believe. When he comes manifesting himself in his second coming, he will not be silent. For although he was formerly hidden in humility, he will come manifested in power.” – Cyprian (d. 258)
Cyprian, The Good of Patience 23.15, quoted in Mark, eds. Thomas C. Oden and Christopher A. Hall, vol. II in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001) [Wordsearch].
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