Good Friday -- "It is Finished"

     Today is Good Friday on the Christian calendar.  It is the day when Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from our sins.
     When I reflect on all of the Good Friday events, something that has struck me is all that Jesus went through for us.  At any time, Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to deliver Him from what He was enduring.  However, Jesus suffered all that He went through for you and for me that we might be redeemed.
     The events started with Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He asked that if it was possible that He might be delivered from what He was about to face.  But Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but Thine be done."
     Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested.  He was then taken before various officials and put on trial.  Jesus stood before Annas, Caiaphas, Herod and Pontius Pilate.  Before each of these officials, Jesus was ridiculed and mocked.
     Jesus did not try to speak on His own behalf in spite of what others said about Him.  As stated in Isaiah 53, Jesus was like a lamb led to his death.
     Our Lord was beaten and mocked by the Roman soldiers.  He was forced to carry His own cross to Calvary.  Then, He was crucified.
     While He was on the cross, Jesus bore our sins in His body.  He suffered and died for us that we might be saved.
     Then, Jesus said the words, "It is finished."  He bowed His head and gave up His life.
     What does it mean that Jesus said "It is finished"?  I want to focus on three things.
     First of all, Jesus' life was at an end.  He had accomplished what He came to earth to do.  He came to live a holy life as our perfect example.  In all points where the first Adam failed, the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, succeeded.  Jesus had been the Lamb of God who had taken away the sins of the world.  This part of His work was over.
     At this time, the suffering of Jesus was over.  Jesus went through so much suffering while He was on earth.  We focused on this a couple of weeks ago in the Weekend Sermon.  Now, Jesus' earthly suffering was finished.
     I believe that the greatest meaning of the words, "It is finished" lies in the fact that Jesus was stating that He had accomplished the work of redemption.  On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the  punishment that we deserved for sin.  He took our sins upon Himself, and His shed blood atoned for our sins.  Jesus completed the work of redemption on the cross.
     As you reflect this Good Friday on what Jesus suffered and on His work of redemption on the cross, please reflect on what you have done with Jesus.  Have you accepted Him into your life as Savior and Lord?  Have you called on Him to forgive you of your sins and save your soul?  If you have not, I hope that you will call upon the name of the Lord and be saved today.  Jesus loves you.  He wants you to come to Him and receive the eternal life that He offers.
     During your prayer time during the next couple of days, please pray that many people will hear the message of the Gospel this Easter weekend.  Pray that many will accept the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives.
     Tomorrow, I will post the Weekend Sermon.  We will celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ is alive, and He lives forevermore.  May God bless you all.  Amen.