It Is Finished

[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…