John 19:30
"It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit."
Today is Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion of our Lord. All of the readings in the old and new testament are lengthy. The church and the gospel writers want to be as accurate and detailed as they can be. John's Gospel gives almost a play by play account of what happened as if it were written for today's newspapers.
If obituaries were written, what would it say? For more than 30 years, the people knew this man as Jesus, son of Joseph and Mary. But the impact of his life was more far reaching. He was known in the community as a carpenter, a son, a teacher, a friend, a fishing guide, a counselor, a miracle worker, a magician, a rabble-rouser, a king and much more. They would come to know him as the Messiah, the son of God, the savior of the world.
At his crucifixion, his last words were, "it is finished." But for his disciples, the work was now beginning. That work continues 2000 years later with us. On this Good Friday, remember the great sacrifice made for you and me. Also remember that our job is not done doing God's work until we face the door of heaven when we can also say, "it is finished."
