Lent

Sixth Word of the Cross: "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

April 9, 2025 - Drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink

After Jesus gets a drink of the sour vinegar the Roman soldiers were carrying, he says "It is finished. Then he bows his head and gives up the ghost.

Jesus himself, according to John, already knew that everything was accomplished, but he wants the bystanders at the cross to know it too. Therefore, he pronounces this. It is accomplished.

Note that he does not say 'I have accomplished it'. He says 'it is accomplished'. Everything the Father had instructed Him to do was accomplished. Everything the prophets said about His suffering has been fulfilled. With the words "it is accomplished," Jesus indicates that His death on the cross was is the crowning glory of his work.

His death on the cross is the culmination of the task he accomplished in obedience to the Father. He dies the death we deserve. He makes the sacrifice we cannot make. He dies for us to bring us back to the Father.

Then Jesus bows his head and gives up the spirit. No one deprives Him of the spirit of life, but He Himself surrenders His spirit into the hands of the Father. Jesus' death is not just a departure from earthly life, but also a coming home to the Father.
And we who believe may soon follow him in this.

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Contribution of

drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink
Since 1981 working as editor and author on a commentary series known as "Study Bible." First at IDR in Soest, from 1998 at the "Center for Bible Research" (CVB) in Doorn. From 1996 to 2015 editor NT of the quarterly magazine for evangelical theological reflection "Soteria". Since 2007 editor-in-chief of the quarterly theological journal "Study Bible magazine". From 2010-2011 editorial board member of Tussenruimte, journal for intercultural theology.

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