JOHN xix. 30. “It is finished.”
A SPECIAL interest belongs to every place that the
Saviour visited on earth, but the most hallowed spot of
all is Calvary.
Three of Christ’s seven sayings on the cross are ad-
dressed to men, and three to God, while the seventh is a
solemn soliloquy, “It is finished.”
I. These words indicate that there was a feeling of relief
in the Redeemer’s mind now that He had reached the last
of His sufferings. The shadow of the cross fell over His
very cradle; and even amid the glories of His transfigura-
tion, He spake of the decease which He should accom-
plish at Jerusalem. But it is over at last. The cross has
been endured now for the throne.
II. These words indicate a grateful satisfaction that He
had finished all He had designed to do. Of this experi-
ence we know nothing; for no matter when our lives shall
end, our work will be very far from being a finished thing.
Nothing was left undone by Christ, His life was a finished
thing.
III. These words indicate an expression of triumph. It
is done; the prince of this world is cast out, the power of
sin is broken, the sceptre of death is snapped asunder, and
even the dominion of the grave destroyed.
IV. The inferences which follow from this interpretation
of the text.
1. We must conclude that Christ’s sacrifice was perfect
if His work was finished.
2. If Christ’s work was perfect, then His sacrifice needs
no repetition.
3. If Christ’s sacrifice is perfect, no other ground is
needed by the sinner for acceptance with God.
4. If Christ by His death vanquished all our enemies,
we need not fear what they can do unto us.
Lift up your hearts and rejoice in the finished work
of your once crucified but now risen and reigning Lord.
W. M. Taylor, D.D.