It is Finished
(by Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)
A few days ago I had some dental work done that I wasn’t expecting. I think I am like everyone else who does not have going to the dentist as their most favorite thing in the world to do. However, it is absolutely necessary for a healthy life. To compound the adventure, it was my first time visiting that dentist. While he came very highly recommended, I was still anxious.
Throughout the entire process, everyone was as kind and friendly as they could be, which put my mind at ease. The only discomfort I felt was when the dentist said, “A little pinch” and then proceeded to stick the injection of Novocain into my jaw … several different places. I’m so glad that he viewed it as a “little” pinch.
When all was done, and as I was on my way home, I began to think on the verse in scripture after all had been accomplished on the cross, and Jesus proclaimed, “It is Finished.”
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished” and He bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
As I thought upon what all led up to those words from our Lord, I realized that my “little pinch” was absolutely nothing compared to the suffering, pain, and mental agony that Jesus endured. I began to realize that not all of the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me was on the cross. He lived a totally sinless life for over 33 years so He could make the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. I cannot go one day without multiple sins occurring, which makes His sacrifice even more intense.
When He bowed His head and proclaimed “It is Finished” not only was His earthly, human life completed, but the entire purpose which He came for had been perfectly accomplished. Your sin and mine had been paid for completely. Nothing needed to be added because it was finished.
As I sat and thought for a moment, the thought that I will never need to have that dental work done again was such a joy, but even more of an overwhelming joy was the fact that I will never need to stand guilty before God for my sin because Jesus proclaimed, “It is Finished!”