The Gospel of JohnSample

It is Finished.

In John 18–19, we walk through the darkest and most powerful moments in all of history. Jesus is betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the crowds. He is falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and ultimately crucified. And yet, in every step of His suffering, we see the depth of God’s love.

The cross was not an accident. It was not a tragic end to a good teacher’s life. It was the plan of redemption that had been set in motion since the beginning of time. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. He took our place. He paid the debt we could never afford.

“It is finished,” He declared (John 19:30). With those three words, Jesus accomplished what generations had longed for—atonement for sin, reconciliation with the Father, and access to eternal life. The perfect sacrifice was made.

The significance of what happened on the cross can’t be compared to anything anyone has ever done for you. Human love, no matter how deep, always has limits. But the love Jesus demonstrated is limitless. It’s a love that doesn’t wait for you to clean yourself up or prove your worth. It’s a love that meets you at your worst and offers you forgiveness, healing, and a new identity.

Sometimes we rush past the cross in our spiritual lives, eager to get to the resurrection or the next breakthrough. But it’s important to pause and remember the price Jesus paid. When we take time to reflect, it humbles us, softens us, and fills us with gratitude.

If your heart has grown cold, let the cross warm it again. If you’ve forgotten your worth, let the cross remind you how valued you are. If you’ve drifted from God, let the cross draw you back.

Respond to God’s Word:

Spend a few minutes today in silence. Let your thoughts settle on the cross—on the love that held Jesus there and the victory He won through it. Then write a short prayer of gratitude. Thank Him for taking your place, for forgiving your sins, and for loving you with a love that never fails. Let your heart be still and remember: It is finished.