John 19:30, It Is Finished

30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

By all accounts, it appears evil has won the day. Jesus is dead. But surface appearances can be deceiving.

Jesus’ final word tell a different story, especially to the reader of John’s gospel who has been paying attention. Jesus seems to have been in total control of his death and the timing of his dying. He has died far too early in the crucifixion process. It should have taken hours more. Yet “it is finished.” The Greek could be translated as “It is accomplished,” which better presents John’s case for Jesus’ control over his death. The next phrase makes the case: “he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” He simply did not die all of a sudden. By bowing his head in a posture of prayer, he offered all of himself to the Father.

What exactly has Jesus—the eternal Word, the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, the Source of Living Water, the Resurrection and the Life, the Bread who came down from Heaven—accomplished by dying? While answering that question has been the unending task of Christian writers, there are three important general accomplishments. Frist, he obeyed the will of the Father. He remained faithful to the one with whom he was one. In other words, he died because God wanted him to die. Second, he revealed the sacrificial love of God to his people and to the world. Jesus had already said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13), and John wrote, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (1:18). Jesus makes known the sacrificial love of God. And third, Jesus’ rescue mission is complete. The sacrificial death of the Son of God on the cross represents a new Passover.

As Episcopalians say in their liturgy, “Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.” According to the timing of the Gospel of John, Jesus dies on the cross as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed in the temple. “It is finished.” The ultimate sacrifice that ends all sacrifices is accomplished. To quote a former President, “Mission accomplished.” This mission, however, really was accomplished, and each Christian is called to believe in its efficacy on a personal and communal level. Jesus died for the sins of the one and the many.

We thank you Father, that Jesus died believing he had done your will and accomplished your work. May we too be single-minded, and when we die not need to regret that we have squandered your gift of life. May all Christians have the same confidence in the hour of death that Jesus had when he committed his spirit to you. May we know that Jesus has conquered death for us all. Amen.

Caryl Micklem, (altered)