John 19:28-42 – It is Finished

Read John 19:28-42

Jesus’ mission is finished. He gave up his spirit and died. It was a holy moment. The whole earth had to be groaning. Did you feel like John rushed us through the scene? I need to take some time to just be still. If that’s you, too, shut out the distractions and just spend some time with your Savior.

There was no time for sorrow or lament. It was business as usual, just another day of executions. There was some concern for the upcoming Sabbath, and of course, removing bodies on the Sabbath would be work they were not permitted to do. I understand having bodies hanging there overnight was also not permitted.

The Jewish leaders asked for Pilate to speed up the process. I suppose that was the “humane” thing to do, to lessen the length of their suffering, certainly not the intensity. Thankfully, Jesus had already died, so his bones were not broken. Again, prophecy fulfilled.

There have been so many reinactments of this event, my mind tends to revisit what I’ve seen dramatized. Does that happen to you, too? I can never make it through the crucifixion scene without weeping. Let your emotions run free. This is the biggest, most important story of all time. And it’s not over.

That’s the beauty of this. There is a victory. But for today, we mourn at the loss, at the sacrifice. Yet we find grace. Our debt has been paid in full. No longer do we need to sacrifice animals for forgiveness. Jesus was the final and ultimate sacrifice for our sin.

What did you think of Joseph and Nicodemus coming together here? It sounds like they were already friends. They would have a common bond, an interest in Jesus. What I marvel at here is the 75 pounds of ointment they are bringing. That’s a lot of ointment!

These men risked their authority to do this for Jesus. They had been secret followers, but now their allegiance was exposed. Are you a secret believer? Or, do people know you are, without a doubt, a follower of Christ?

Let’s pray. Lord, help me to grasp the truth and accept that this ugly day was all part of your plan. I am overflowing today with gratitude at the thought of this immense sacrifice. For me. May I live my life so authentically and open that people are sure of my allegiance to you. May my example be the fuel that brings many others to have a relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.