Reflecting on John 19:28-37“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30)
During His time of ministry, Jesus knew how His work would finish.
On several occasions He let His disciples know what was coming.
Jesus was determined to finish His work, but it must have been hard.
This burden must have been like a ‘tractor pull’.
The further along He went, the heavier the weight became.
Jesus was fully human, and so He experienced what any person would.
Not only did blood and water flow from His side when pierced.
He also sweat drops of blood and tears when He thought about death (Luke 22:44).
Jesus did not choose to suffer, He chose to finish His mission.
His mission was to live and love and lead like God, like Adam was made to.
To live a life of love in this world will lead to hardship, sometimes death.
God did not make Jesus suffer; Jesus suffered because unloving humans did it.
Jesus suffered for love, and the result was that in Jesus love overcame!
His death was not a defeat, but the completion of His mission of love.
Jesus guaranteed the victory of love; He now sends us to finish His work!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I can run the race with hope because You won the race with love. Your victory assures me that our labour of love is not in vain. One day we too can say 'it is finished', and surrender our spirit to You. Mission accomplished!