Craig Valentino- 2017

“It is finished,” Jesus cried out from the cross before releasing his spirit. These are the famous last words that Jesus spoke (John 19:30). What exactly was finished?

We know from scripture that Jesus was referring to his mission. But this was more than just his earthly mission, it was the spiritual mission that bridges the gap between the Father and mankind. Prior to his death, Jesus revealed to his disciples (John 14) exactly what his mission was for them. He describes how he is preparing a place for them, and how they know the way to where he’s going. The disciples were confused, but Jesus continued with the well-known words, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6).

What does this mean for us? Jesus is The Way: A journey must be taken in order to stand in the presence of God, a journey that we can’t take on our own. This journey needs to be led FOR us, and a reconciliation with God needs to happen IN us. It’s a journey from sin and brokenness to peace and life. Jesus is The Truth: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!...Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”

Jesus is the real deal, and reconciliation with God happens THROUGH him because he died in our place and defeated the grave once and for all! Jesus is The Life: Our reconciliation with God leads us to life, completing the journey and fulfilling Jesus’ mission for us. With Easter approaching, consider the full meaning and importance of the last words that Jesus spoke on that cross, “It is finished.”