When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30 NET
Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is completed (or finished).” And after this, he bowed his head and died. But what was it that was completed?
In John 4:34, John 5:36, and John 17:4, Jesus referred to the work God had given him to complete. This was God’s work, and Jesus was to complete it. But what was this work of God that Jesus was bringing to a completion?
The Old Testament is much more than the history of ancient Israel. It is primarily the story of God at work. It is the story of humanity in rebellion against their creator. And the story of God’s redemptive work to create a new humanity as his image bearers.
It was a long and, to us at least, messy story. But one that Jesus came to complete. John 3:16-17 tells us that Jesus was sent by the Father to be the savior of the world–for all who would believe in him. Jesus was the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
And that work of redemption was completed as Jesus gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the world. He fulfilled all that the Old Testament looked forward to (Matt. 5:17). And now, all who put their faith in him are born again. Born of the Spirit. Born into life eternal. And restored to the image of God.
