John 19:30 is a pivotal verse describing the final moments of Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break it down:
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar...": Roman soldiers offered Jesus a drink of sour wine (vinegar) while he was on the cross. This was likely meant as a gesture of mockery or a cheap way to prolong his suffering. It also possibly served to ease his suffering by mildly dulling his senses.
"...he said, 'It is finished.'" (Greek: Tetelestai): This is the key phrase. Tetelestai is a Greek word with several layers of meaning. It was commonly used in business to indicate:
Paid in full: Like stamping "Paid" on a debt or invoice.
Completed: Like a task or assignment being finished.
In the context of Jesus' crucifixion, "It is finished" can be interpreted as:
The atoning sacrifice is complete: Jesus had fully paid the penalty for humanity's sins through his death on the cross. He had borne the wrath of God on behalf of sinners.
The work the Father gave him to do is complete: Jesus had lived a perfect life, fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah, taught the truth, and demonstrated God's love and power.
The Old Covenant is fulfilled: With his death, the Old Testament sacrificial system, which pointed towards the coming Messiah, was now fulfilled.
"He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.": This shows Jesus' submission to God's will and his control even in death. He willingly released his spirit (his life force), rather than it being taken from him. The phrase "bowed his head" is a sign of reverence and submission.
In Summary:
John 19:30 signifies that Jesus accomplished everything he was sent to do: to offer himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, to reveal God's love to the world, and to usher in a new covenant of grace. The phrase "It is finished" is a declaration of victory, not defeat. It's a statement that the plan of salvation has been accomplished.
The verse underscores the idea that Jesus' death was not a random act of violence but a deliberate and purposeful act of love and redemption. He willingly gave his life to save humanity from sin and death.
John 19:30 is a pivotal verse describing the final moments of Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break it down:
"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar...": Roman soldiers offered Jesus a drink of sour wine (vinegar) while he was on the cross. This was likely meant as a gesture of mockery or a cheap way to prolong his suffering. It also possibly served to ease his suffering by mildly dulling his senses.
"...he said, 'It is finished.'" (Greek: Tetelestai): This is the key phrase. Tetelestai is a Greek word with several layers of meaning. It was commonly used in business to indicate:
Paid in full: Like stamping "Paid" on a debt or invoice.
Completed: Like a task or assignment being finished.
In the context of Jesus' crucifixion, "It is finished" can be interpreted as:
The atoning sacrifice is complete: Jesus had fully paid the penalty for humanity's sins through his death on the cross. He had borne the wrath of God on behalf of sinners.
The work the Father gave him to do is complete: Jesus had lived a perfect life, fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah, taught the truth, and demonstrated God's love and power.
The Old Covenant is fulfilled: With his death, the Old Testament sacrificial system, which pointed towards the coming Messiah, was now fulfilled.
"He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.": This shows Jesus' submission to God's will and his control even in death. He willingly released his spirit (his life force), rather than it being taken from him. The phrase "bowed his head" is a sign of reverence and submission.
In Summary:
John 19:30 signifies that Jesus accomplished everything he was sent to do: to offer himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, to reveal God's love to the world, and to usher in a new covenant of grace. The phrase "It is finished" is a declaration of victory, not defeat. It's a statement that the plan of salvation has been accomplished.
The verse underscores the idea that Jesus' death was not a random act of violence but a deliberate and purposeful act of love and redemption. He willingly gave his life to save humanity from sin and death.