For the joy set before him
Jesus endured the cross with the His earthly mission at the forefront of His mind. After almost 6 hours hanging by three nails, He lifted the weight of his beaten body to allow one of His last breaths enter into his lungs. With the exhale he declared … “It is finished.”
The Earthly Mission
With that same authority it had all began. God spoke and galaxies came into existence. The was earth set into orbit and with it the creation of mankind, who God dearly loved.
He gifted them with the free-will to abide in His care. But with that freedom they made the choice to abandon their perfect connection to God in paradise. Sin had found it’s foothold; with it came death, loss & destruction.
I imagen in this moment, Christ identified with the first sacrifice ever made to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve as they left the Garden. And with all the other sacrifices made under the old covenant to satisfy the law.
His Love For us
Jesus’ life on earth started as a helpless baby, he lived as a humble servant and now our Mighty God hung on the cross. Clearly, it was not the nails that keep Him there. It was His love for us.
Jesus knew that He would be the final sacrifice. With it, the mission would be finished. The greek word used in John 19:30, “Teleo” means completely fulfilled. The old Covent and law would now be satisfied. Sin now conquered forever. The barrier between God and man removed once and for all!
Life and Death
Satan came ONLY to steal and kill and destroy, but Jesus hung there so that we could have and enjoy life in abundance. Jesus, who had no sin became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.This was the heart of His earthly mission.
From this place of suffering and brokenness, Jesus looked out to the faces in the crowd. He saw each of us though the entire history of mankind and he desired us all to be saved.
Jesus knew that with His sacrifice, any one of us could accept this act of grace. Any repentant heart could then instantly enjoy a restored connection to God. This was the joy set before him!
At the foot of the Cross
I imagine being a the foot of the cross, looking up so desperate to do anything to help. But Jesus was accomplishing for me, what I could not. For it is by grace alone that I have been saved, through faith. I have nothing to add. No works to contribute. Salvation is the gift of God.
This is the new covenant of Grace which was established. His eternal spiritual covering being freely offered as my sin receives it rightful sentence. My debt has been paid in full and His righteousness credited to my account
Completely Fulfilled
He let out his victory cry, “IT IS FINISHED!” And with that….”He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
John 19:30; Hebrews 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:10; Romans 5:17; John 17:3