Former Blackout Artist

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30

The day after Jesus’ crucifixion must have dawned heavy with silence, confusion, and grief. The words “It is finished” lingered in the air, their meaning shrouded in mystery and pain for those who loved Him, and a seeming victory for those who opposed Him. What now? That question pulsed in the hearts of many, each grappling with the aftermath of the cross in their own way.

We can imagine the religious leaders gathered in smug satisfaction, their threat now eliminated. The man who challenged their authority, who called them to account, was dead. “It is finished,” they might’ve said with a nod, believing they had silenced the carpenter from Nazareth for good. Perhaps they congratulated each other, their power seemingly secure, unaware that the true victory was unfolding way beyond their comprehension.

What about the disciples? Scattered and shattered? The past three years of walking with Jesus, witnessing miracles, hearing His teachings – now felt like a dream turned nightmare. Huddled in fear, did they whisper among themselves, wondering if it was all for nothing? Peter, who denied Him, might have stared at the sea in the distance, contemplating a return to fishing. John, the beloved, might have sat in stunned silence, replaying Jesus’ final words. “It is finished.” Did they think their hope was finished too?

The common Jew, caught in the swirl of Passover festivities, might have felt a mix of unease and indifference. Some had cheered for Jesus days earlier, waving palm branches; others had shouted for His crucifixion. Now, with the spectacle over, many likely returned to their normal routines, unaware that the world had shifted forever. “It is finished” was just a phrase, a moment lost in the chaos of life.

And Mary, mother of Jesus – her heart pierced as Simeon had foretold (Luke 2:35). She knew her Son’s divine purpose, yet the sight of Him broken on the cross must have shattered her. Did she cling to fragments of hope, recalling the angel’s words from long ago? Or did despair creep in, whispering that her Son was truly gone? “It is finished” must have echoed in her soul, an agonizing cry of loss, even as faith wrestled within her.

For those who loved Jesus, “It is finished” was a gut-wrenching end, a curtain drawn over their hopes. The weight of that Saturday pressed down, a day of waiting, of questioning, a day of wondering, “What now?” They could not yet see what we know today: that “It is finished” was not the end, but the beginning of everything.

Jesus’ words were not a surrender, but a proclamation of triumph! The debt of sin was paid, the power of death was broken. The way to the Father was opened. What seemed like defeat was the greatest victory in history, sealed with the silence of a tomb that would not hold Him. He lives! Hallelujah, He lives!

Today’s Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for declaring “It is finished” on the cross, completing the work of my salvation. In moments when I face uncertainty and ask, “What now?” help me trust Your perfect plan. Teach me to wait with hope, knowing that Your finished work brought me a new beginning – eternal life with You. Amen.