Why did Jesus say 'It is finished'?

When Jesus uttered the words "It is finished" from the cross, recorded in John 19:30, it marked a profound and pivotal moment in the narrative of the New Testament. These three words encapsulate the culmination of His earthly mission, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the completion of the work of redemption. Understanding the depth and significance of this statement requires us to explore several key dimensions: the fulfillment of prophecy, the completion of His sacrificial mission, and the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity.

First, let us consider the fulfillment of prophecy. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies foretold the coming of a Messiah who would redeem Israel and bring salvation to the world. From the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15, where God speaks of the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent's head, to the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who would bear the iniquities of many, the Hebrew Scriptures are replete with messianic expectations. Jesus’ life and ministry were the embodiment of these prophecies. By saying "It is finished," Jesus was declaring that all the prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and sacrificial death had been accomplished. As the Apostle Paul later wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him."

Secondly, the phrase "It is finished" signifies the completion of Jesus’ sacrificial mission on earth. From the moment of His incarnation, Jesus knew that His ultimate purpose was to offer Himself as a perfect and unblemished sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This was prefigured in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where animals were offered to atone for the sins of the people. However, these sacrifices were temporary and insufficient to fully cleanse humanity from sin. The writer of Hebrews explains this in Hebrews 10:4, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

Jesus, as the Lamb of God, came to provide the ultimate and final sacrifice. John the Baptist recognized this when he saw Jesus and declared in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, enduring the wrath of God that was rightfully ours. In 1 Peter 2:24, it is written, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." When Jesus said, "It is finished," He was proclaiming that the work of atonement was complete. The debt of sin had been paid in full, and the barrier between God and humanity had been removed.

Furthermore, "It is finished" also heralds the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with His people, such as the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants. These covenants were foundational to the relationship between God and Israel but were ultimately pointing towards something greater. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promised to write His law on the hearts of His people and forgive their iniquity.

Jesus, during the Last Supper, spoke of this new covenant in His blood. In Luke 22:20, He said, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." By His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated this new covenant, one that is based on grace and not on the works of the Law. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Moreover, Jesus’ declaration "It is finished" has profound implications for believers today. It signifies that the work of salvation is complete and that there is nothing we can add to it. This is a source of immense comfort and assurance. As Paul writes in Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The finished work of Christ means that our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored, and we have the hope of eternal life.

Additionally, the phrase "It is finished" calls us to live in the light of this completed work. It invites us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and to cease striving to earn God's favor through our efforts. Instead, we are called to respond with gratitude, worship, and a life devoted to following Jesus. As Jesus Himself said in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

The theological richness of the statement "It is finished" also extends to our understanding of the cosmic scope of Christ’s work. Colossians 1:19-20 tells us, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." The reconciliation that Jesus achieved is not limited to human beings but encompasses the entire creation, which has been marred by sin and is awaiting redemption. This cosmic dimension of Christ’s finished work assures us that God’s plan of restoration will ultimately encompass all of creation, bringing about a new heaven and a new earth.

In conclusion, when Jesus said "It is finished," He was declaring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the completion of His sacrificial mission, and the establishment of a new covenant. This profound statement assures us of the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work, invites us to rest in His grace, and calls us to live in response to His love. It also points to the ultimate reconciliation of all creation, affirming the comprehensive scope of God’s redemptive plan. As we reflect on these words, may we be filled with awe, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to follow our Savior, who accomplished all that was necessary for our salvation.