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“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. “ – John 19:30
He was born in a small town about 5 miles from Jerusalem. His parents were loving, trusting individuals from a strong line of Jewish heritage. The village of their ancestors was Nazareth, in the North, between Mount Carmel and Mount Tabor. I can imagine the joyous celebration they received when they finally returned a few years after the baby was born. Mary’s mother would have embraced the young boy, held him close to her bosom and shed tears of joy over her new Grandson. Mary’s father would have inspected his Grandson for anything that might prevent him from being a strong contributor in their society, and he would have found him to be perfect.
Did he cry when he fell down and scraped his knee? Did he and the other boys in Nazareth play games in the fields and over the hills of the country side, chasing the sheep amidst the shouting of the nearby shepherds? Did his desire for the truth and increased knowledge from the scrolls overwhelm his appetite to become the Savior of the world? At what point did he realize that he was going to have a painful and hard life? By his adolescent years, was he teaching the Pharisees or were they teaching him? He learned the trade of carpentry from his father, Joseph. Did he make and sell tables, chairs, wagons and wheels? We know very little about his upbringing, but we do know, from the scriptures, of his ministry and purpose in life.
When Jesus said, “It is finished”, what was he referring to? We all understand this to mean his work, his ministry and his purpose. But, was it really finished, or had it just begun? As he walked the streets of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Capernaum and Bethany was he fulfilling a purpose in life or was he laying a foundation? We are blessed by the scribes, writers and authors of the New Testament, because 2000 years later we are able to experience and relive his steps in and around Israel. This single man traveled in a relatively small area of the globe, less than 8100 sq. miles, living out his purpose for no more than 3 years. The land mass of the earth is just over 57 million sq miles, so Israel represents less than 1/100th of one percent. Many estimate that Jesus crucifixion was in AD 33. Since that time there have been 1979 years that have passed by. If his ministry was no more than 3 years, this represents less than 1/10th of one percent in time.
This one man’s name has been on the lips of mankind for the entirety of these 1979 years in one way or another. So thinking back to his words on the cross – “It is finished”, referred to the beginning of God’s plan of salvation. The completion of one act triggered the beginning of a movement that to this very day has forced mankind to rethink our morals, values, spirituality and life purpose. His single, selfless act of dying on that cross provided an opportunity for all mankind to reach eternity with God the Father. What he finished on that day, started the march towards the end of time. God has defined that there will be an end, and a judgment of all people. What Jesus completed was the atonement of mankind’s sin. From the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, to the moment Jesus uttered those words on the cross the eternal salvation for mankind was in jeopardy. The words left his mouth and the veil in the temple ripped from top to bottom, signifying that God was no longer hidden from man, but available to all mankind through this act of sacrifice. We are given the opportunity for eternal peace because Jesus fulfilled his purpose in life and for no other reason.
Did he cry when he fell down and scraped his knee? Did he and the other boys in Nazareth play games in the fields and over the hills of the country side, chasing the sheep amidst the shouting of the nearby shepherds? Did his desire for the truth and increased knowledge from the scrolls overwhelm his appetite to become the Savior of the world? At what point did he realize that he was going to have a painful and hard life? By his adolescent years, was he teaching the Pharisees or were they teaching him? He learned the trade of carpentry from his father, Joseph. Did he make and sell tables, chairs, wagons and wheels? We know very little about his upbringing, but we do know, from the scriptures, of his ministry and purpose in life.
When Jesus said, “It is finished”, what was he referring to? We all understand this to mean his work, his ministry and his purpose. But, was it really finished, or had it just begun? As he walked the streets of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Capernaum and Bethany was he fulfilling a purpose in life or was he laying a foundation? We are blessed by the scribes, writers and authors of the New Testament, because 2000 years later we are able to experience and relive his steps in and around Israel. This single man traveled in a relatively small area of the globe, less than 8100 sq. miles, living out his purpose for no more than 3 years. The land mass of the earth is just over 57 million sq miles, so Israel represents less than 1/100th of one percent. Many estimate that Jesus crucifixion was in AD 33. Since that time there have been 1979 years that have passed by. If his ministry was no more than 3 years, this represents less than 1/10th of one percent in time.
This one man’s name has been on the lips of mankind for the entirety of these 1979 years in one way or another. So thinking back to his words on the cross – “It is finished”, referred to the beginning of God’s plan of salvation. The completion of one act triggered the beginning of a movement that to this very day has forced mankind to rethink our morals, values, spirituality and life purpose. His single, selfless act of dying on that cross provided an opportunity for all mankind to reach eternity with God the Father. What he finished on that day, started the march towards the end of time. God has defined that there will be an end, and a judgment of all people. What Jesus completed was the atonement of mankind’s sin. From the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, to the moment Jesus uttered those words on the cross the eternal salvation for mankind was in jeopardy. The words left his mouth and the veil in the temple ripped from top to bottom, signifying that God was no longer hidden from man, but available to all mankind through this act of sacrifice. We are given the opportunity for eternal peace because Jesus fulfilled his purpose in life and for no other reason.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You have provided the sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. Jesus fulfilled his purpose, as defined by Your plan of salvation. His perfect life represents to us the love, mercy and strength of the Father, if we are too accept it. I ask Lord, that you strengthen me today. Give me the courage, confidence and wisdom to make decisions that uplift Your name and Your purpose in my life. As I come to the end of each day, let the words be upon my lips that I lived for You today. Let those I meet today see Your peace, love and grace in my life, that they might be influenced in Your plan of righteousness. I ask these things in Your name, amen.
Heavenly Father,
You have provided the sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. Jesus fulfilled his purpose, as defined by Your plan of salvation. His perfect life represents to us the love, mercy and strength of the Father, if we are too accept it. I ask Lord, that you strengthen me today. Give me the courage, confidence and wisdom to make decisions that uplift Your name and Your purpose in my life. As I come to the end of each day, let the words be upon my lips that I lived for You today. Let those I meet today see Your peace, love and grace in my life, that they might be influenced in Your plan of righteousness. I ask these things in Your name, amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com
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