“It Is Finished!” (John 19:30)

GOOD FRIDAY

Readings: Isa 52:13 – 53:12; Ps 31:2 and 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17 and 25 (R. Luke 23:46b); Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1 – 19:42

What is it that finished? That is an expression of fulfillment. It is our sin that is consumed as he came to save us from the slavery of sin. Isa 53:12 tells us that he has our sins and our transgressions.

It is equally our life problems that have been taken care of as he came that we may have life in abundance (John 10:10) and so he beckons on us, “Come to me all you that labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

Do you believe you still have a share in that fulfillment of Christ’s purposes here on earth? Note the tense of that statement, “It is finished.” It is not an ended event. It is not just an event that happened in the past. It is ever present to us even now. So, just replace the pronoun “it” with that challenge that is giving you sleepless night and consider it finished.

But we can only have a share in it if we are able to obey him (cf. Heb 5:9) and come to him, carrying our cross and following him (cf. Luke 9:23). Incidentally, our crosses can be those same things that give us sleepless nights. On the other hand, the crosses can also be the pleasures or treasures that we have to give up in order to be with Jesus.

What is it that you are going to sacrifice today for the sake of Christ? What are you going to fast from? Have you made up your mind yet? It has to be something very dear to you because a painless sacrifice is a contradiction.

Jesus is waiting for you to come out of your comfort zone and meet him on the way to Calvary. That is the place of redemption. Remember, “It is finished!” He already won a victory for you. Come to him and claim it.

I wish you a fruitful Good Friday. It is well with you.

NB: We have an obligation to fast today. Our fasting would not yet be complete until we have given out something good out in charity. “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).