Holy Week
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30
The cross stood tall on a hill called Golgotha — rough, splintered wood holding the Savior of the world. He was mocked and ridiculed. The disciples who once swore loyalty now hid in fear. The sky itself grew dark. He suffered abandoned and alone. It looked like God had forsaken Him: “We thought it was because of God that he was stricken, smitten, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4 EHV)
And in that moment of agony, Jesus spoke one final word — “Finished.” The work the Father had given Him to do — to bear our sin, to take our punishment, to make the way for forgiveness — was all complete. What looked like defeat was actually victory. What seemed like the end was the beginning of redemption. What seemed bad was actually good.
Good Friday reminds us that salvation was not cheap. Every lash, thorn, and nail carried the weight of our sin. Jesus endured it willingly. He took all the bad: our sin, God’s holy wrath, even hell itself. He did this to win our good: our forgiveness, our reconciliation with God, our eternal life in heaven. “But it was because of our rebellion that he was pierced. He was crushed for the guilt our sins deserved. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4 EHV)
On this solemn day, we remember: this was for me! My price has been paid. The work is done. He takes away the bad to bring about my ultimate good. Praise be to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the One who makes this day truly good!
The load Thou takest on Thee,
That pressed so sorely on me,
It crushed me to the ground.
The cross for me enduring,
The crown for me securing,
My healing in Thy wounds is found.
The Lutheran Hymnal 171:6