As Jesus hung upon the cross, every word He spoke carried eternal weight. After hours of agony His final declaration—“It is finished”—was not a cry of defeat, but one of victory. In that moment, the plan of salvation, written before the foundation of the world, was completed.
📖 “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28–30, NIV)
Every detail of the crucifixion fulfilled prophecy—down to the sponge, the hyssop, and the final words. “It is finished” in the Greek, Tetelestai, means “paid in full.” The debt of sin that humanity could never repay was completely satisfied through Christ’s sacrifice.
This moment was not one of surrender to death, but of triumph over it. Jesus’ mission on earth—to reveal the Father’s love and to redeem the lost—had been perfectly completed. In that single statement, the curse of sin was broken, the power of death defeated, and the door to eternal life opened.
Confirms God’s faithfulness. Every prophecy, every promise was fulfilled in Christ.
Proclaims total redemption. Nothing more needs to be added; salvation is complete.
Transforms suffering into victory. The cross, once a symbol of shame, became the emblem of grace.
Gives assurance. What Jesus finished on the cross cannot be undone by fear, failure, or doubt.
Rest in the finished work of Christ—your forgiveness is complete, not conditional.
Let go of striving for God’s approval; you already have His love through Jesus.
Remember that your faith begins at the cross but continues in gratitude and obedience.
Live each day as one who has been redeemed—free, forgiven, and filled with purpose.
John 19:28–30 reminds us that Christ’s final words were a proclamation of eternal victory. The work of salvation is finished—not because of what we do, but because of what He has done.
📖 “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28–30, NIV)
✨ When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He didn’t mean the end of His life—He meant the beginning of ours.
