It is always a joy to welcome Phil Cook to our meeting. Phil brought an Easter message from John 19 v 28-30 focussing on Jesus’s words (the sixth saying from the cross) in verse 30, “It is finished”.

Throughout the lead up to, and the crucifixion itself, Jesus was in absolute control. It was the complete work of salvation – it was, it is and it always is! Indeed, it is finished! Take a moment to reflect on the victory that is ours because Jesus loved us so much that He died in our place and has conquered death and sin.

Phil illustrated his message with five helpful examples of when the phrase ‘It is finished’ applied:

  • Masters and slaves. When a servant had completed a task, they would utter “It is finished.” In Philippians 2 v 6-8 (NIV) we read, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
  • Priests. The priests offered sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people – this was required by the law.  But Jesus is God’s perfect sacrifice, the spotless and faultless lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Judas recognised Jesus in the end as completely innocent and Pilate’s wife was troubled and knew that Jesus was innocent too.
  • Artists. They would say, “it is finished” when the work was complete and they were delighted with it! Phil remarked that in the Old Testament picture gallery, everything is in the shadows but then Jesus completes the picture and the lights are turned on – the darkness has been banished forever! We had cause to think about the couple on the Emmaus road whose eyes were opened when Jesus revealed who He really was by the breaking of the bread and by opening up the scriptures.
  • Merchants and traders.  They would issue a receipt to confirm that ‘it is finished’, the debt had been fully paid and the transaction complete. We are in debt before God and bankrupt! God in His mercy credits our account with His righteousness and our debt has been fully paid. Praise God, thank you Jesus!
  • A faithful Saviour. As Phil was speaking, I was reminded of the The Greek word ‘Tetelestai’ which implies ‘paid in full’. Jesus has done it all and the kingdom of heaven is open to all who believe in Him and and accept his free gift of eternal life. Because He died and He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. (William and Gloria Gaither.)

The curtain was torn from top to bottom because of the finished work of Jesus. No earthly priest needs to intercede for us, we are invited to come, to enter into a new and living way. Romans 8 says there is “no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus” and no one can separate us from His love.

Phil’s chosen song to close was ‘Man of sorrows’ with the poignant verse:

Lifted up was He to die,
“It is finished!” was His cry:
Full atonement – can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

This Easter have faith in the finished work of Christ!