As Jesus hung on the cross in John 19:28, we read these powerful words:
“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, ‘I am thirsty.’”
And just a few verses later, He declared:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
These final words are not a cry of defeat but a declaration of victory.
What Was Jesus’ Mission?
From the moment of His birth, Jesus lived with a divine purpose. He wasn’t just a teacher, healer, or prophet—He was the Son of God sent to accomplish the greatest rescue mission in history. His mission was:
- To Reveal the Father
Jesus came to show us who God really is—full of grace and truth (John 1:14–18). He said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). - To Preach Good News
Jesus proclaimed the arrival of God’s kingdom, bringing hope to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the broken (Luke 4:18–19). - To Live a Sinless Life
He fulfilled the Law perfectly, becoming the spotless Lamb needed for a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15). - To Die for Our Sins
This was the heart of His mission. Jesus became our substitute, bearing the judgment our sins deserved. “He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross…” (1 Peter 2:24)
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) - To Rise Again and Defeat Death
His resurrection proved that the sacrifice was accepted and that death no longer has the final word (Romans 6:9).
“It Is Finished” — What Does That Mean?
In the original Greek, the word Jesus used was “Tetelestai”—a word that means paid in full. It was often stamped on receipts in the ancient world to show a debt had been fully settled.
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t saying “I am finished”—He was declaring the mission is accomplished.
- Sin’s penalty was paid.
- The barrier between God and humanity was removed.
- The prophecies were fulfilled.
- The enemy was defeated.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
- We Are Forgiven
You don’t have to carry the weight of guilt or shame any longer. Jesus paid your debt. When you put your trust in Him, your sins—past, present, and future—are covered by His sacrifice. - We Can Rest in His Work
Religion often says “do more.” But Jesus says “It is done.” We don’t work for our salvation—we work from it, living in gratitude for what He’s already done. - We Are Free to Live a New Life
The finished work of Jesus opens the door to a transformed life. We are made new, adopted into God’s family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live with purpose. - We Have Hope Beyond Death
The cross wasn’t the end of the story. The empty tomb means that eternal life is now ours. Jesus’ finished work brings us into a never-ending story of grace and glory.
Final Thoughts
As you reflect on the cross, remember: Jesus didn’t give up—He gave everything. And when He said, “It is finished,” He meant that your salvation was fully secured.
So today, walk in the freedom, peace, and purpose that come from knowing the mission was completed—for you.
