This is a sermon that was given during a worship service in which the sacrament of communion was celebrated. It is based on the words of Jesus as He hung on the cross, "It is finished." The message focuses on the various things Jesus stated He came into the world to do, and how He completed the tasks He was "assigned."
Written Excerpts:
John 19:30 (NKJV) So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Introduction:
I’m
sure that I am talking to people who in one form or another have experienced
the sheer joy and relief of finishing a difficult project, job or assignment. I
remember various kinds of jobs or assignments that initiated huge sighs of
relief when I finally finished them.
· Research papers in college
· Graduation from college
· Master’s Thesis
· Graduation from seminary
· Building a large deck on our house in Ohio
Some
of you are already aware that Kris and I will be traveling to Ohio in two weeks
to watch our son Andy graduate from law school. What a relief for us – but how
much more relief for him!
What
comes to your mind?
In
the account of the crucifixion that was read for our Scripture lesson today, we
heard the reading of the gospel in which it is recorded, “when Jesus had
received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His
head, He gave up His spirit.”
What
was Jesus speaking about when He said, “It is finished.”?
The
answer to this question is not really difficult. There are a few different
answers that have been proposed, but there seems to be one answer that stands
out as the accepted one by most Bible teachers and scholars.
We
are told that there is just one word in Greek that is translated, “It is
finished.” The
word “tetelestai” τετελεσται means to
bring to an end or finish.
Jesus
is saying that all He came into the world to do and to bear has come to an end,
has been accomplished or is finished. There
are a number of things that Jesus came into this world to do, and everything
has been accomplished. What
are the things He finished? Well, the answer can be found by looking at
Scriptures where Jesus himself or other writers of Scripture tell why He came.
Listen
to these Scriptures in which Jesus talks about what He came to do, and ask
yourself if each one has been completed and finished.
Matthew
5:17 (NKJV)
"Do not think that I came to
destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Lived
a perfect life, thus fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law. Provided
Himself as the perfect Lamb of God as a sacrifice for sin.
Matthew
10:34 (NKJV)
"Do not think that I came to
bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
Matthew
10:35 (NKJV)
For I have come to 'set a man
against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law';
Luke
12:51 (NKJV)
Do you suppose that I came
to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
As
perfect as Jesus was; as loving and kind as He was; as wise and sensitive as He
was; He still became a “polarizing figure.” Not
everyone was happy to know Him or to hear His message.
Luke
12:49 (NKJV)
"I came to send fire on the
earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
Luke
5:32 (NKJV)
I have not come to call the
righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
John
10:10 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to
steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and
that they may have it more abundantly.
John
12:46 (NKJV)
I have come as a light into
the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
1
John 3:8b (NKJV) For this purpose the
Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Over and above all that we have said so far, Jesus
came to provide eternal redemption for all of mankind. He came to rescue humanity and bring us back into
relationship with our heavenly Father.
John
6:38 (NKJV)
For I have come down from heaven,
not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
The
will of the Father from before the foundation of the world was the redemption
of humanity.
Hebrews
9:12 (NKJV)
Not with the blood of goats and
calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption.
As
Jesus hung there on the cross, there are a number of “assignments” that he
could say had been completed, as we have already explained… But,
the single-most important assignment given to the Son by the Father was the
purchase of humanity by His own blood; His own sacrifice of His own life. This
was the plan from before the creation of the world, and now it is finished.
Hebrews
1:3b (NKJV)
… when He had by Himself purged our
sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Many
Bible scholars have indicated that the “posture” of the Lord indicates His work
is done, and He has entered His ministry of reigning in a position of high
honor.
Over
and over the phrase “once for all” has been used in connection with Christ’s
sacrifice. His work of redemption is done, and every person who accepts it by
faith for himself or herself is promised the benefits of His sacrifice in
forgiveness of sins.
What
can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
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