What did Jesus finish?

With his last breath Jesus uttered a final word, translated into English, "It is finished!"

The eternal Son of God, who fully embraced humanity by becoming a man, accomplished what no human being could. We likely can't fully grasp the magnitude of the horrific event that occurred on the cross. Some have attempted to describe the physical aspects of crucifixion, and it was vividly portrayed in the film "The Passion of the Christ." It certainly must have been terribly gruesome and excruciating. However, what we may gloss over is the emotional and psychological aspects of what happened to Jesus as he was consumed by sin that was not his own. He took upon himself wickedness that was gravely offensive to God the Father. The combination of all of this torture and trauma was exactly what the Lord would have avoided if God would have provided a different path. 

But the cross was the path.

With that final declaration Jesus completed an enormous task fueled by God's love for mankind.

Salvation. 

Atonement. 

Forgiveness. 

Eternal life. 

The way into God's presence. 

The power and effect of this event stands as the single most significant act in all of human history. And it served to provide the solution to the deepest longing in every human heart - connection to God himself in the most meaningful way. When we embrace Jesus' finished work on our behalf we come home in the truest sense. We gain everything that was lost in the Garden of Eden because of Adam's failure to trust God completely.

As we approach "Good Friday" perhaps it will be helpful to slow down and consider exactly what was "finished" and why it matters.

Good Friday Thoughts from Toplady

The following is taken from "Faith Reviving" written by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). It seems this may be a reordering of the verses. I have seen it in a few different orders. However, the truth that shines forth is quite clear. A great meditation on the work of Christ for lowly sinners!

Payment God cannot twice demand,
First at my bleeding Surety's hand
And then again at mine.

Complete atonement Thou has made,
And to the utmost farthing paid
What e'er Thy people owed

How then can wrath on me take place
If sheltered in Thy righteousness
And sprinkled with Thy blood?

Turn then my soul unto thy rest,
The merits of thy Great High Priest
Speak peace and liberty.

Trust in His efficacious blood,
Nor fear they banishment from God
Since Jesus died for thee.

"But why is it Good?"

Early in the week while some adults were discussing 'grown up things' my youngest daughter interjected a question. This is a common occurrence in our home, she is never at a loss for words and is very inquisitive. We were discussing Easter week and someone mentioned "Good" Friday. My little one, with a puzzled look asked, "But why is it good?"

What a great question. It strikes at the heart of the matter I think. All she knows is that the word 'good' usually describes something that is pleasant or enjoyable. Why would we refer to a day of the week, near Easter, as 'Good?' So, I took about 5 seconds and told her that Good Friday was the day that Jesus died to pay for our sins, and that is why it is good. (A half-hearted attempt at parenting in hindsight. So much for shepherding the flock huh? I plan to revisit the question this weekend.)

While what I told her is true, in my estimation, I pondered my response later. Actually, I was curious as to why we call it Good Friday. I found very few sources that relayed anything solid. The best I could determine is that the word 'Good' is a very old word that perhaps used to mean something else. Centuries ago it may have been called 'God's Friday' or something similar.

Given that this is the week of Easter I have been thinking much about the cross and the empty tomb. And simply put, I stand amazed. Mainly because when I realize that Jesus Christ died in my place, that He died to pay my sin debt, that on the cross He bore my punishment, I am completely blown away. In the process, the Son of God was even estranged and abandoned by His Heavenly Father. Leading up to the event of the cross Jesus himself asked if this horrific event could be avoided. He was whipped and beaten to death. All of this was not only for me. My mountain of sin alone is shocking. Think about your sin and all the multitudes of believers for whom Christ died.

His work, on my behalf, brought about the single greatest 'good' ever in my life. I was in such a pit of sin when my Redeemer came and rescued me. I was completely undeserving, running away from God. My load of sin was exchanged for His perfect Righteousness.

What GRACE! What a Savior! I would certainly call that 'Good.'
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Glory of the Cross

All those who are trusting and following the Lord Jesus have come to see the glory of the cross. Painful as it was, there is beauty at the cross. Heart breaking as it was, there is joy at the cross. The perfect Son of God died for sinners. That still amazes me. I will boast only in the cross of Christ.

Getty and Townend have said it well in the final verse of "The Power of the Cross"

Oh, to see my name, Written in the wounds,

For through Your suffering I am free.

Death is crushed to death; Life is mine to live,

Won through Your selfless love.