It is Finished Outline

John 19:16–42 ESV

So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ ” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

The Final Cry: Understanding 'It is Finished'

Bible Passage: John 19:16–42

Summary: In this passage, we witness the culmination of Jesus' earthly mission as He willingly endures crucifixion. His final words, 'It is Finished,' signify the completion of His redemptive work, fulfilling prophecy and establishing a new covenant for humanity.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the weight of Christ's sacrifice and the finality of His work on the cross. It addresses struggles with guilt and the burden of sin, assuring believers that through Christ, they are forgiven and free.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that Christ's death was not a defeat but rather a victory, fulfilling God's plan for redemption. It encourages believers to embrace the grace that flows from this completed work and rest in the assurance of salvation.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme highlights Christ as the Lamb of God, prefigured in the Old Testament sacrifices, who embodies the ultimate sacrificial offering for sin. His proclamation of 'It is Finished' shows that all sacrifices and efforts to attain righteousness through the law are completed in Him.

Big Idea: The big idea conveys that through the words 'It is Finished,' Jesus completed the work of salvation, freeing us from the burden of sin and granting us eternal life as a gift of grace.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the theological implications of Jesus' final words in the context of Old Testament prophecies, particularly the sacrificial system as detailed in Leviticus. Utilize Logos to review the different interpretations of 'It is Finished' across church history and examine the original Greek for nuances that may enhance your teaching. This can deepen your understanding of its significance for contemporary faith.

1. Proclamation Amidst Persecution

John 19:16–22

You could explore how the inscription above Jesus, 'King of the Jews', reveals the truth of who He is, despite the mockery intended. Even in crucifixion, Christ's identity and purpose were unmistakably declared, reminding believers of His sovereignty. In the face of scorn, Jesus' divine kingship shines through, fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah. This suggests that we should remain confident in Christ's authority and identity, trusting Him amidst our own trials.

2. Provision in Pain

John 19:23–27

Perhaps focus on the scene where Jesus, in His suffering, ensures the care of His mother by entrusting her to His beloved disciple. This displays His compassion and concern for relationships, even in His final moments. It assures us that Jesus values our relationships and cares for our needs, reinforcing His love and commitment to us. This could encourage believers to reflect His love in their own families and communities, understanding that this is part of living out their faith.

3. Perfection of the Plan

John 19:28–30

Maybe delve into the significance of Jesus declaring 'I thirst', leading to His declaration 'It is Finished'. This moment shows His humanity and His fulfillment of Scripture (Psalm 69:21). Jesus' proclamation marks the completion of His mission, offering redemption to humanity. It emphasizes His victory over sin and death, encouraging us to rest in His finished work, confident that our salvation is secured, inviting believers to live in the freedom and rest His sacrifice brings.

4. Proof of Prophecy Fulfilled

John 19:31–37

Consider discussing the piercing of Jesus' side, as prophesied, confirming His death and the reality of His sacrifice. Blood and water flowing from His side symbolize purification and new life, affirming that through His death, we receive cleansing and entry into a new covenant. This might encourage believers to appreciate the profound love and precision of God's redemptive plan, resting assured in the comprehensive nature of Christ's sacrifice.

5. Public Devotion of Disciples

John 19:38–42

Reflect on the courage of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who, despite fear, publicly honor Jesus in burial. Their actions signify a shift from secret discipleship to bold allegiance, inspired by Jesus' sacrifice. Perhaps suggest this exemplifies how believers, moved by Christ's finished work, are prompted to live openly committed lives. It assures us that Jesus' death has power to transform hearts, encouraging us to live boldly for Him.

In ancient Rome, the phrase 'Paid in full' would be stamped on a servant's receipt upon completion of their work. This phrase is significant as it signifies that the debt has been completely settled. Similarly, when Christ declared "It is finished" from the cross, he announced the completion of God's redemptive plan. Through his sacrifice, the spiritual debts we owe have been fully paid, and we stand justified before God, free from condemnation.

During the crucifixion, darkness fell over the land as Jesus bore the weight of the world's sin. This was not merely an atmospheric phenomenon; it symbolized the profound separation from God that sin creates. Yet, it was through this very act that Christ fulfilled the law and atoned for our sins. His finished work exemplifies how love can emerge from the darkest of times, reminding us that in our worst moments, God is working for our redemption.

Historically, the Jewish Passover marked the moment when the angel of death passed over the homes marked with lamb’s blood. Jesus, as the ultimate Passover Lamb, fulfilled this history through His sacrificial death. His declaration 'It is finished' speaks to the end of our need for sacrificial offerings; through Him, we are cleansed and made whole. His finished work is our assurance that we live under grace, not the penalties of law.

In biblical times, the temple veil separated the Holy of Holies where God's presence dwelled, from the rest of the world. At the moment of Jesus’ death, that veil was torn in two, signifying direct access to God for all who believe. His finished work on the cross not only provides atonement but also a personal relationship with the Father, breaking down barriers and inviting us into intimate fellowship with Him.

In what ways does the concept of Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb change our understanding of His sacrifice?

In what ways can we reflect the love and concern that Jesus showed for His mother in our own relationships?

How can the assurance that 'It is finished' brings us peace in times of personal struggle or guilt?