Wednesday 5th April
Read John 19:28-30
“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (NIVUK)
The increasing focus on the fulfillment of scripture becomes clearer, as does the link with Psalm 22. The last line of the psalm, although translated ‘He has done it’ (Psalm 22:31c) is literally ‘It is finished’.
The suffering King departs as foretold having completed everything necessary to make peace with God.
As usual, Don Carson captures the heart of the cross in a beautifully composed sonnet.
“The Triune God, in all-wise counsel, knows
The deathly choice will damn the rebel brood.
Unable to ignore, unwilling to
Destroy, he plots a pardon for his foes.
Degenerating in the troubled flows
Of time’s relentless tide, the rebels’ mood
Fails to discern this plan both wise and good:
The Son will don the race to take its blows.
His humble life, the suffering of his way-
Indifference and rejection, treason, greed-
His lonely, violent death, the price he paid,
Articulate in lurid dress our need.
The words triumphant, “It is finished!”, ring
Proclaiming perfect pardon from the King.” (D Carson Sonnet XXIII)
