When
Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head
and gave up his spirit.
There is victory in the cross! These are not words of resignation and
despair. They are words of fulfillment and victory. The work is accomplished! It is
finished!
The cross is intended for death, but through the cross of Jesus comes
life. We sing in evening prayer: Jesus Christ is the light of the world. The light no
darkness can overcome. Not even the darkness of death! There is victory in the voice
of the One who says, It is finished!
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He
is the Bread of Life who gives his very body and blood for the life of the world. Here on
the cross the story comes to its climax, not in despair but in victorious hope for the
world. Here, in the face of the finality of death, love is triumphant.
Death confronts us every day in varied ways—in diseases that
ravage the body and mind, in social ills that ravage the human community. Believing death
to be the final word, we put heart and soul into saving ourselves. We fail to follow the
Good Shepherd.
This day is called Good Friday because of God’s victory. Jesus
claimed the cross and willingly gave up his spirit. He died away the heartache of this
world, including your sin and mine, and won the victory over death and despair.
Good Friday is a somber day; yet it is a day of holy comfort and
assurance.
We fall on our knees before the cross, O God. The ultimate
sacrifice has been made. Redemption is ours. It is finished. Praise to you!
