Today marks the beginning of Holy Week. In the history of the church this is a solemn time when we consider the significance of the death of Christ. His death is the darkness that precedes the dawn. 

​

Events beyond our control prohibit us from participating together in a digital service this morning. Whether you are gathered with others or are by yourself in your home this morning, I encourage you to take a few moments on this Lord’s Day to consider the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Read the words below and let yourself pray to God about these things.

​

Read Today's Scripture:

John 19:17-42

 

After reading John 19:17-42, let’s consider the following together.

1. Jesus’s Death is a Global Event
 

Think for a moment how unceremonious Jesus’s birth was. His first breaths were taken in a lodging place for animals and only celebrated by lowly shepherds. His last breaths would be taken under a political ruler’s written declaration in multiple languages that this man from Nazareth is King. The very words that are intended to be a mockery of Jesus serve as a declaration in all the languages of the surrounding area, and therefore to all the people, that God has established His King on Zion (Ps 2:6). Yes, he is a Jewish King. But he is also King for nations!

​

2. Jesus’s Death is in fulfillment of god's mission
 

There are many complexities in this world. Christianity does not necessarily remove these complexities and can often add to them. As we read the gospel of John we are beholding the greatest injustice in the history of the world. Jesus is the Son of God. He is Immanuel, God among us. God in flesh. He has fed the hungry, given sight to the blind, healed the sick, and raised the dead. His teachings are the very words of God. He is the promised Prophet like Moses and offspring of Abraham and David that will bless the nations and establish God’s righteous kingdom forever. Yet, in the hours before this account Jesus has been betrayed, denied, and tried unjustly. Now he prepares to be crucified as a common criminal. How can the promised Messiah who is God in flesh suffer such humiliation? Is this humiliation a part of God’s plan? 

Shockingly, it is! In this passage John takes great care to show the reader that the appalling situation unfolding is actually part of God’s rescue plan (ex: the dividing of Jesus’s garments is a fulfillment of Psalm 22; Ex. 12:46 and Num. 9:12 prohibit the bones of the Passover lamb from being broken; Zechariah 12:10 prophesies those who pierce the Messiah will look upon him). Be not dismayed! The slain Passover Lamb offers the covering for sin that we must have to bring us back to God. It was the will of the Lord to crush Jesus as a lamb led to slaughter, but it is by His wounds that we are healed (Isa. 53). 

3. Jesus’s Death accomplishes what we cannot

​

“It is finished.” Words without action are just sounds. They have no meaning. These words by Jesus are uttered at the moment Jesus’s actions are accomplishing the redemptive work of the Triune God. Their power is secure in the innocent blood being shed by God himself on behalf of the sins of God’s people. God is not just making the redemption of His people a possibility. Through the death of Jesus, He is making it a certainty. God is providing the payment for sin that His people could never provide. That is what is finished. Jesus’s mission to offer himself as a sanctifying sacrifice to the Father on behalf of the sins of God’s people is coming to completion. It is a historical event that cannot be undone.
 

The power of these words remain today because history cannot be undone. When Satan comes to you as the accuser laying your sins before you, you do not need to act as though you have not broken God’s law. Instead, you declare the just payment for your sin has been paid. It is finished. There remains no charge of guilt against God’s people. It is finished. Condemnation has dispersed as the rising sun sends the darkness of night away. It is finished. Satan’s claim against you is tossed out, not because you did no wrong, but because the punishment for your sin is paid. It is finished. Whatever the sin is that haunts your heart and serves as an anvil around your neck, cut it loose with the words of the Passover Lamb. It is finished!
 

Who are these glorious truths for? Any and all who simply come to Jesus in their hour of need. To the Christian, remember you trust in Him for your rescue from sin and death. You have no guilt. Jesus has taken it. To the non-Christian, trust in Him for the first time for your rescue from sin and death. Feel the freedom and breath the fresh air of guilt, shame, and condemnation being taken away. May the finished work of Christ on the cross be our freedom from sin and death. In the darkness of Christ’s death, we find our light to life.