It is finished

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said,  "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 

Today, after church we (my wife, my daughter and I) watched the Martinsville NASCAR race. It is a fun track for the participants and for the spectators. My favorite driver was bumped out of the lead and ended up back in the pack at the end of the race. I was disappointed, but proud of how my driver handled the situation. He had class.

There is an aspect of the crucifixion that is to be marveled at, in my opinion. There was an element of what has been recorded that offers us a glimpse into the character of Jesus that we seldom see in other parts of the Gospels. I am referring to the interaction between Jesus, and his mother Mary. Recorded in the Gospel of John is what I find compelling. From John 19: 25-27 we read. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. In those final moments of pain He was enduring from the torture that is a crucifixion, His concern was focused on His mother, and the disciple He loved (John.) The Gospel of John is the only Gospel reference to this taking place. Given Jesus telling John that Mary was now his mother, and John taking Mary into his home, we could draw a conclusion that she was a widow. Jesus knew very well how the Jewish rulers of the day treated widows. Check out Mark 12:38-40 for the rest of that story. And so Jesus entrusted His mother into the hands of His most beloved disciple, John. In the midst of all the pain and agony, His thoughts were of others. This act of kindness and love is not the sole act of Christ’s love shown on the cross. Remember the words from Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  He asked for forgiveness for those who placed Him on the cross. To the thief on the cross He gave words of comfort captured in Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him,  "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." In looking at the Passion of Christ we are compelled to look at the compassion of Christ. His love for His family, His disciples and others was profoundly displayed on that horrible tree. This is a lesson for all of us to take aboard. In our own time of despair and suffering we too should remember that even at the end of life, it is not all about us. In this journey we call our lives there are others we encounter who need to see what love is really all about. We can with the help of God be gracious to others when it may be most difficult for us to show grace. My friends in the Risen Savior, may your finish be distant in time, and filled with God’s grace.

PRAYER: Lord, when our time here on earth becomes short, help us to hold onto Jesus. Gives us the grace and peace that can only flow from You. Let us finish well Father. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.