Daily Devotions
It Is Finished
Reading for November 12th: John 19-21
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30
Jesus lived His life with laser like focus. His only desire was to do the Father's will (John 4:34). The will of his Father was that he drink the cup of suffering and anguish and lay down his life for us (John 18:11; 10:15-17). Jesus was willing to do this because all he wanted was to bring glory to his Father (John 12:27-28).
I believe this is why Jesus said, "It is finished" right before he breathed his last breath. He was saying that his work on earth was finished. He had done the Father's will. He had accomplished his mission. The purpose of his Father was now complete.
This kind of focus is what we must cultivate in our hearts. When we are called to do something hard or painful, we must be able to block out our selfish desires for comfort or self-preservation and focus solely on doing the Father's will. We must be concerned more about his will than our own. We must desire his glory over ours. It is only then that we take up our cross and follow him.
Father, we lay down our lives for you today that you might be glorified in all we do!
