“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Roman soldiers moistened Jesus’ mouth by bringing the sponge of sour wine to His lips. He needs this to shout His cry of victory: “It is finished!” Before the silence of death descends and Jesus must utter His final words. The bystanders must hear this, and not only them. This must be known by everyone in Jerusalem, in Israel and across the globe. From Jesus’ resurrection and ascension until His return, this news must spread throughout the world.
Jesus has done everything His Father commanded Him to do. The prophecies about Him have been fulfilled. Jesus has achieved His purpose.
By human standards, Jesus’ death on the cross is the absolute lowest point in His life. He Himself considers this His exaltation, as He explained to Nicodemus (John 3:14-15). He offers Himself as a sacrifice to reconcile us with God, dying as the Lamb who takes away our sins on the cross.
Jesus’ death implies His departure from earthly life and His return to His Father in heaven. He will reign on His Father’s throne. That will be for the benefit of all who will believe in Him. For He is going to prepare room for them in His Father’s House (John 14:1). He fulfills that promise to this day. It’s for you too, if you believe it!