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John 19:28-30
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we looked at the first 3 words Jesus spoke from the Cross. In all Christ utters 7 sayings, or words, or statements before He dies. Read Matt. 27:45-46, which is the 4th statement of Christ expressing the Anguish of the Savior. Listen to what Charles H. Spurgeon says concerning this statement of the Savior: “I do not think the records of time or even of eternity, contain a sentence more full of anguish. Here the wormwood and the gall, and all the other bitterness, are out done. Here you may look as into a vast abyss; and though you strain your eyes, and gaze till sight fails you, yet you perceive no bottom; it is measureless, unfathomable, – inconceivable. This anguish of the Savior on your behalf and mine is no more to be measured and weighed than the sin which needed it, or the love which endured it. We will adore where we cannot comprehend. I hope this subject will help the children of God understand a little of their infinite obligations to their redeeming Lord. You shall measure the height of His love, if it be ever measured, by the depth of His grief, if that can ever be known.” The anguish is compounded by the 5th statement from the Cross:
- THE AGONY OF THE SAVIOR. Read John 19:28. These 2 words remind us our Savior was fully human. “I thirst” takes us deep into the soul and heart of the Savior! Surely His physical thirst was real, but He thirsted to save people from eternal death, to pay our redemption price, to set us free from condemnation, to provide the justification for us to be adopted as His own! But this day our attention is not on His anguish or on His agony! Today is Resurrection Sunday! In only three words, “It is finished,” The Lord of Glory announces that the flaming sword has been taken away from the entrance of eternal life and all people now have a way to reenter Eden. Let’s focus on the:
- ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SAVIOR! Read John 19:30. Notice if you will the continuity of His life. Here Jesus tells us He has kept His focus on His mission among men. In all the words ever penned in any language “it is finished” are perhaps the most significant; and they are without a doubt the most loving words ever spoken by any human being. Let’s look at the
- Completeness of His statement. Our Savior gives us five truths that help us see how totally sufficient is the salvation of God. Notice 1st: The Implication of His statement. Look again at John 19:28-30. Do you see that Jesus tells us again that He is in full control of Himself even in His despicable condition? Stop and think for a moment how impossible it would be for any one man who is not God in the flesh to fulfill every type or picture, every prophecy, every promise in the OT; and to do it with such flawless perfection that every second of His life is accepted by God The Father as payment in full for all of every person’s sin! That implication naturally causes us to consider:
- The Impact of His statement. The perfection of the life of Christ also displays its power in the fact that in Him all the meanings and types found in the old Jewish system of sacrifice are now fulfilled, therefore, no longer necessary. Now let’s consider
- The Importance of His statement. We know Scripture teaches that no man can stand in front of God justified if He is not perfect in His obedience to The Father. Jesus is telling us He has done just that, therefore, His perfect obedience is finished and accepted. This brings us to the place where we can dwell for a moment on
- The Investment in His statement. The investment was made in our justification. In all Jesus did as a Man here among us, He paid every last penny of the debt wrought by sin. He made that investment with you in mind! And that brings us to
- The invitation of His statement. In His words, “It is finished” Jesus is telling us sin, death, Satan, and the grave have all been destroyed. All that would keep us from our heavenly Father is no longer able to bar the way! The invitation was opened and is still open to all who will accept it. Observe the achievement of the Savior not only reveals itself in continuity, and completeness, but also contentment. Go to Luke 23:44-46. All we need to do is see our Savior and follow His example by putting our spirits, souls, and even our bodies into His hands where they will be forever content! The empty tomb is God’s assurance to all Mankind that the anguish, and agony of humanity have been defeated in the achievement of Christ the Living Lord! If your heart is like that tomb this morning, empty and void of a Savior, I implore you to accept the invitation to come to Him right now and receive Him as your own Deliverer and Redeemer! Let Him fill your heart and life with the continuity, completeness, and contentment that come only through life in Christ. Come now because later may be eternally too late.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
