It Is Finished (Luke 23:34)

You have most likely read more than a few articles on the last words of Jesus. Like liturgy, they may seem at times to become ‘old hat.’ But the Spirit of God uses the seasons of the church make things fresh, like when spring arrives, and everything begins to grow again. Here are the thoughts God has placed on my heart this season, as He makes all things new again. 

From the Gospel account of St. John, looking on those there at Golgotha and perhaps all of creation, just before Jesus gave up his spirit, high on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” It is fulfilled, it is consummated. Consider what Jesus said in the Gospels: 

– “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven, of God, is at hand” (Mt 3:2, 4:18) It is finished, the Kingdom of heaven is here! 

– “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Mt 12:28) It is finished, the Kingdom of heaven is here! 

– “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: for night is coming, when no man can work.” (Jn 9:4) It is finished, his work was completed. 

– “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32) It is finished, the truth was setting them all free! 

– “but to sit at my right hand or at my left (in my Glory) is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” (Mk 10:40) It is finished, one at his right and one at his left, and He in his glory.  

– “When I am lifted up… I will draw all men to Myself… then you will know that I am he and … I speak what the Father has taught me.” (Jn 8:38, 12:32) It is finished, he had spoken all the Father had taught him, and he was high and lifted up.  

But standing here, it doesn’t look like things are finished. The world doesn’t look like the Kingdom of Heaven should look. There is evil, death, and stuff that looks like biblical plagues. It looks like night to me, and the truth is trampled daily. This doesn’t look like glory. What am I missing?  

I am not finished. I have read, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Jesus has saved me from sin and death. I am changing and becoming more conformed to His image, His work is done. I will add nothing to it. But I do have work to do – The work of being transformed. And I can only do that through Him, by His grace. That work has been completed. “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega… I make all things new!” (Rev 21:6-7) 

And so, the work continues in all of us as we move through Lent to the remembrance of what was done for us, by Him. He will draw all men to him!