It Is Finished: The Ultimate Declaration [John 19:30]

John 19:30

Summary: In John 19:30, Jesus utters the profound words 'It is finished' as He breathes His last. This declaration signifies the completion of His mission on Earth, including the fulfillment of prophecies and the necessary atonement for sin.

Application: This passage assures Christians of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. It provides comfort in struggles with guilt and shame, reminding us that our redemption is complete and we are not defined by our past mistakes.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus' statement 'It is finished' confirms that His work of salvation is complete, offering assurance of forgiveness and freedom from sin. It emphasizes the certainty and finality of Christ's atoning work.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all sacrificial systems in the Bible. His statement embodies the culmination of God’s redemptive plan from Genesis through Revelation, highlighting Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Big Idea: The big idea is that in Christ's finished work on the cross, believers find complete forgiveness and freedom from sin, encouraging them to live in the light of this truth.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the context of John 19:30 in relation to other Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. Look into the historical significance of sacrificial language in the Old Testament using Logos, and how it relates to Jesus' final utterance. Also, examine the theological implications of 'it is finished' for understanding grace and sanctification in Pauline epistles.

1. Prophecy Fulfilled

John 19:30

You could begin by exploring how Jesus' declaration, 'It is finished,' signifies the completion of His mission to fulfill God's prophetic promises spoken through the prophets. This sermon point might emphasize that Jesus did not leave anything unfinished, underscoring a message of complete certainty and assurance in the divine plan fulfilled through Christ. Highlight how this statement marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, providing believers with confidence in God's sovereign control and reliability.

2. Perfect Atonement

John 19:30

Perhaps focus discussions on how 'It is finished' holds profound theological weight regarding Jesus' atoning sacrifice for sin. This point should center on how Jesus, as the Lamb of God, completed the necessary atonement for our sins, freeing us from guilt and shame. Encourage the audience to rest in the assurance of Christ's complete and perfect sacrifice, which brings not only forgiveness but liberation from the burden of trying to earn God's favor.

3. Purposeful Living

John 19:30

Maybe conclude by reflecting on how the declaration 'It is finished' impacts our present lives as believers. This point could focus on how the finished work of Christ empowers us to live confidently and joyfully in the freedom and grace He provides. Challenge believers to embrace their new identity in Christ, free from the chains of sin, and to actively live out their faith, knowing that their redemption and salvation are secured forever through Jesus.

19:30

 Gave up

 may echo “willingly submitted to death,” which was prophesied of the Suffering Servant (Is 53:12).

Isaiah 53:12 CSB

Therefore I will give him the many as a portion, and he will receive the mighty as spoil, because he willingly submitted to death, and was counted among the rebels; yet he bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.