[486 words]
When talking about His sheep and how He was the Good Shepherd, Jesus said, “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father (John 10:17-18).” The Father loved Jesus and let Him know that no one could take His life. God had a purpose in sending Jesus and nothing would deter God’s Son from completing all that was set in front of Him.
We come to the last statement of Jesus from the cross. He has shown mercy, compassion, honor to His mother, reliance on His Father and dedication to His mission. Now He shows authority and victory. It might seem foolish to say that in death, especially a humiliating death on the cross, we might see authority and victory, but this is not how Jesus saw it. Let’s look at what He said. John records, ‘Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave tip His spirit (John 19:30).”
Jesus knew that all prophecy had been fulfilled with His taking the sour wine. The Passover was finished (as we looked at last week) and His time to give His life as a ransom for ours was at hand. His mission was done. Matthew, Mark and Luke record Jesus as “calling out with a loud voice, but John tells us what He said in that cry. “It is finished!” My task is complete. I have done what I came here to do. Then John continues, “He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” This could also be translated, “He laid back His head and allowed His spirit to depart.” John paint s a picture of Jesus laying His head back in relief, then giving His spirit permission to depart. Jesus said that the Father had promised Him, no one can take Your life from You. You have the authority to lay it down then pick it back up again by My power. And that is exactly what happened. Indeed, Jesus was victorious and showed great authority in this final scene.
Now, what does this tell me about my life? Jesus was given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). That means He has authority over our lives as well. Your life, your spirit, and your victory are all in Christ’s hand. Just as He was perfect in ruling over His life, we can be sure that He will be perfect taking care of our lives as well. Trust Him with your life and He will always be there for you in whatever cross you may be bearing.
Bill Williams
Jackson church of Christ
Jackson, MO