28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
Message: Redemption Accomplished
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: Being crucified was extremely painful. Adding to this was the problem of hanging on the cross in the Palestinian sun which exposed Jesus also to dehydration.
Jesus has shown us that this entire process has been a fulfillment of scripture and him asking for something drink also seems to point to an application, but it is not clear. As I read the text in verse 28, it seems to say that now everything had been accomplished according to the scripture and my first reading was that the words of requesting something to drink was something extra. Tabletalk proceeds to find verses in Psalms, and most notably Psalm 69:21. But, the actual meaning of “knowing that all things had already been accomplished” seems to exclude the idea of a further accomplishment. It is as if everything has been accomplished and now he seeks some sort of relief for his physical suffering.
After receiving the sour wine to quench his thirst, he announced "It is finished" and passed away or died. I feel like I need to be saying more about this other worldly and momentous moment. I love the song by Petra titled It is Finished. The idea that Jesus made this statement is the culmination of all that he came to this earth to do - to be God's authority on earth and to also live as man, in a perfect way, staying free from sin - going to the cross to be the perfect lamb. This is what we know now, but as I have read John, has this been the outcome that Jesus has mentioned or is has it been inferred by what He has said. Meaning, the idea that He would be the payment for sin, is that a message that is apparent? I mean, "it is finished" seems to embody that statement. Otherwise, what else is finished? His time on earth?
But John did specify this as this book began in John 1:29 as he saw the approaching Jesus “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is clearly shown as the entry point for people to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5); believing in Him merits eternal life (John 3:15; 6:40, 47; 10:10; 11:25-26; 17:3; 20:31). Believing Jesus also changes the person's ways and actions (John 7:38; 8:12; 14:11). Believe or you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Keep His word and never see death (8:52; 14:21). Jesus will also lay down His life (John 10:15, 17). His time on earth is temporary (John 12:8; 13:33; 16:17; 20:17). The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin (John 16:8).
"It is finished." It is like Jesus is saying, I have come and done all that you commanded me to do. And now He will return to the Father. I guess it is interesting that it appears the idea that Jesus died for sins is only a reference by John at the beginning of this gospel with Jesus being the lamb of God.
Summary: Prophetic scripture has been accomplished and Jesus speaks of his thirst and is quenched of that thirst, gives up His Spirit and proclaims, "It is finished."
Promise: Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary John: “When [Jesus] said, ‘It is finished,’ He was saying not just that His life was over but that His mission had been fulfilled. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was accomplished.
Prayer: Lord, I am always trying to understand your truth. As I have studied this gospel I am moved by the words that John has put forth to me - the focus being on Jesus and believing in Him and then great things happening - a full life, a life of great action, and an eternal life ultimately. I know for sure I need to believe in You God and it is through Your Son Jesus that You are made known and I do believe in You. Help me to continue to understand the truth of Your word, the truth of who You are and who I can be in You. Thank you Jesus for living a great life. Keep defining truth in my life.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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