3 Powerful Lessons from Jesus’ Words: ‘It is Finished’

Yvonne Morgan

1 week ago

The moment I type “The End” on a manuscript always feels like a victory. After months of writing, editing, and refining, it marks the completion of something meaningful. But that is not the last step. Rounds and rounds of edits fill the next few months until the publisher gives it the stamp of approval and sends it off to the printers. The author can say that the book is finished. All edits or changes to the book are complete; the book gets published.

It is finished. Three words that signal our job as authors is over. The author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) also uttered those words, it is finished, with his dying breath on the cross in John 19:30 (NIV). When Jesus said these same words that delight my heart as an author, what did he mean by them? Let’s dig in to find out.

What Was Finished?

Easter has passed, but I think it is still important to look at the lessons from the words Christ said on the cross. I believe Christ spoke these words to mark the end of three different things for those who believed in him. We will look at each of these finished items.

First Finished Item

As Jesus spoke those words, he marked the end of his earthly ministry. He would no longer walk with the disciples in human form, but he was not leaving them alone in the world either. Before Christ ascended into Heaven, he gave them the Holy Spirit to continue to guide them in their ministry to the world.

“21 Again Jesus said, Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 (NIV).

The Next Complete Item

With those same words, Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Law and sacrificial system through his death on the cross, establishing a New Covenant based on grace rather than works. Jesus fulfilled the law completely, becoming the final and perfect sacrifice for our sins, something no repeated offering could ever accomplish.

Jesus redeemed humanity from the curse of the law by taking the penalty upon himself.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” Galatians 3:13 (NIV).

There are moments when I still try to “earn” what he has already gifted to me. I forget that Jesus already finished the work I strive so hard to complete.

Final Finished Item

Jesus’ last words on the cross signified he had paid the debt of sin, canceling the record of charges against humanity. When we accept Christ as a Savior, he forgives our sins. I believe this is the most important part of the message because with those words; we are no longer separated from God, but welcomed into his family. His grace covers us in his blood and makes us worthy to become brothers and sisters in Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn this privilege. It is the greatest gift possible.

Jesus’ gift of salvation on the cross is the free, unearned offer of eternal life and forgiveness, achieved through his sacrificial death, which paid the debt of human sin.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV).

The Gift That Is Never Finished

Those three little words, it is finished, changed the world. They also continue to change lives and the world. Christ can change your life too. By reciting the prayer below, Jesus can come into your life and change everything. It is a free gift that brings an end to the curse of sin in your life so that you can spend eternity with our Heavenly Father.

Here is a sample prayer to repeat: “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. So I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“9 If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV).

The End

I love writing those words at the end of my manuscript to signify I’ve completed this stage of the book. When Jesus uttered the words, it is finished on the cross; he began a new chapter of human history. Along with that change, he offered us the opportunity to begin a new life in him. Christ finished several things, but he was not done, and he asked us to continue his work in this world by sharing the Good News with those around us.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” he wasn’t ending something; he was opening the door to everything we could never accomplish on our own.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that you sent Jesus to pay the price for my sins on the cross. My heart overflows with thanks for his sacrifice, which has redeemed me from death and brought me into your family. Thank you for washing me, forgiving me, and giving me the promise of everlasting life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.