Habits of Jesus Day 20: It Is Finished!

On the cross, Jesus knew that He completed His mission on earth. Literally, and figuratively. He proclaimed the good news to the poor, set the oppressed free and healed the blind, the lame and the diseased (Luke 4: 18-19). He taught and loved His twelve disciples and the faithful crowd. He sought out and served the lost (Luke 19:10). He died for us all.

As we journey closer towards Easter, read in each gospel below about how He spent His final minutes.

Now from the noon hour darkness fell upon all the land until three in the afternoon. And in that hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” … and Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and surrendered His spirit to God. And the veil of the temple in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook and the rocks were split … Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became terrified and said, “Surely this was the Son of God!” From Matthew 27: 45-54

At noon, darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At that hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” … Jesus let out a loud cry, breathed His last breath and died. And the curtain of the temple in the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw that He died in this way, he said, “Surely this Man was the Son of God!” From Mark 15: 33-39

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the entire land until three in the afternoon, because the sun had stopped shining; and the curtain of the temple in the Holy of Holies was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I surrender My spirit.” And having said this, He took His last breath and died. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “This Man was in fact righteous.” Luke 23: 44-47

Jesus, knowing that His mission had already been completed, and so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of wine vinegar was standing there, so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the drink, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed his head and surrendered His spirit to God. John 19: 28-30

His death was a surrender to His Father’s plan. He finished it! He knew that He had faithfully completed what the Father’s love had put into place, for us.

We may not be called to die on a cross for God, but we are called to be uncomfortable in this world of self-seekers. We are called to surrender our lives, for Him.

Easter is a unique opportunity to share about who Jesus really is. Look ahead at your schedule for the next week and identify the people you will see.

What is God whispering to you about one of those who are lost and living without Him?

In what ways might you surrender yourself to God before them?

Be brave. It His mission after all, and it is already finished!

O Crucified Lord, You did it all, for me. I surrender my selfish concerns to You. I thank You that You found me and I want to help the lost to be found. I want to finish the mission You have for me. Impassion my heart, loosen my tongue and help me step confidently wherever You lead. Amen.