It is finished
by Neil Bergmann
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
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).
Read John 18:1 – 19:42
Good Friday is a confronting time. We can feel especially guilty that our sin caused the death of Jesus, God incarnate, God with us. We see ourselves in the mocking crowd yelling, ‘Crucify him!’ We see ourselves in those disciples who ran away in the garden, Peter who denied Jesus, or Judas who betrayed Jesus. But Jesus’ death was not in vain; it was not a defeat. It is the climax and completion of Jesus’ earthly mission when he says, ‘It is finished’.
‘It is finished’ is the English translation of the Greek word tetélestai (perfect passive indicative third person singular of the verb teléō for grammar lovers). This can simply mean that something has been brought to an end. It can also refer to the completion of a command, so something like ‘everything that has been commanded has been completed and accomplished, exactly as ordered’ – in this case, ordered of Jesus by the Father.
Earlier, John 19:28 reads, ‘Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty”’. The same word, tetélestai, is used here for ‘had been finished’. So, the ‘It is finished’ in John 19:30 also means that Scripture has been fulfilled – Jesus has completed all the prophecies of Scripture about the Messiah, including that the Messiah would die for our sins (see Isaiah 53:5–9).
Even in his death, Jesus teaches us how to live. We should not live as if this life is all there is. Death is not to be feared (easy to say but hard to embrace). Death for us is not the end, just as Good Friday is not the end of the Easter story. Jesus’ suffering and death not only grant us eternal life but also means that Jesus is here with us on earth, sharing in the world’s pain and suffering and calling us to treat everyone we meet with care and compassion.
Jesus, help us to remember your pain and suffering, your physical and mental anguish on the cross. Help us to wait with you at the cross and not rush ahead to the joy of Sunday’s empty tomb. Comfort all who still suffer in our broken world. Amen.
Neil Bergmann is currently the chair of Lutheran Earth Care, Australia and New Zealand. After retiring, he recently completed a research Master of Theology at Flinders University, Adelaide, on eco-theology. He worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
