Day 6: The Death of Jesus
John 19:28-37 (NIV) “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break His legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”
Jesus was crucified, suspended on a cross by six-inch nails driven through his hands and feet, in the hottest part of the day. He died slowly, by asphyxiation. With His final breath, He cried out, ‘It is finished’ – the great task is accomplished, the ultimate loving sacrifice on behalf of a broken humanity is complete. Because of His death, we can be forgiven and live a new life with Him today.
IN A NUTSHELL
Jesus ... said ‘It is finished.’ The Gospel writers didn’t use much ink on the details of Jesus’ crucifixion. Everyone knew what it implied: an excessively cruel method of torture and execution, used to nip any rebellion against Rome in the bud. Hands and feet fastened to the cross, the victim endured hours of agony, until suffocation or blood loss allowed them to die.
The Messiah was supposed to deliver Israel from Rome. A crucified Messiah seemed ridiculous. Yet Christians came to realise that Jesus had endured the horror of Golgotha to save people, not from Rome, but their sins.
People trade in today’s world. Some trade ideas, others trade favours, and some even trade for a living. What we may not realise is that we’re all traders. The Bible records right at the beginning how the first people traded life with God for life as their own rulers. This is what sin is. Sin trades the Creator for created things (Read Romans 1:18-25). Now, if God is the source of all life, light, and love and we trade Him away, we lose all of that.
This is why we need the cross, where Jesus died for the traders: for those in darkness, for those without love and meaning. God commits to the ultimate trade – His son for our guilt – to forgive our sin. Death entered Jesus so life might enter us. Once you realise all that God has done through the cross, the only right response is that of the Roman centurion: “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, as I think about this day, the day of Your crucifixion, I feel both sadness and thankfulness. On the cross, You took on the world's sins, including mine, enduring great pain because of Your deep love for humanity.
Lord, help me understand the significance of Your sacrifice. Teach me to live in the light of the cross, where love and sacrifice come together.
During this fasting period, help me to care more about the sacrifice You made. Instil in me a spirit that values and respects it by living each day according to Your teachings. Give me the strength to carry my own cross, to lay down my life in service and in love for others, just as You did.
Thank You, Jesus, for the words, "It is finished." May I find complete assurance in the work You accomplished on the cross, trusting that nothing can separate me from Your love. In Your holy and precious name, I pray, Amen.
APPLICATION
Just as Christ forgave those who crucified Him, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us. Reflect on any grudges or bitterness you may be holding onto and consider what steps you can take towards offering forgiveness.
Christ’s death represents the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, offering us a new life. Take time today to renew your commitment to live according to the Gospel. Reflect on areas of your life that need redemption and ask God for the strength to make necessary changes.
Read on to find out more about the cross of Jesus:
Alone yet not abandoned – (Matthew 27:32-54)
Today in Paradise – (Luke 23:39-43)
Mission accomplished – (John 19:28-30)