One of the big things I was learning was how frustrating and
useless my help could be at times—especially when I couldn’t (or didn’t) grasp
the nature of the project at hand. All too often, my dad would have me work on
something, and I wouldn’t really understand the end goal. What were we working
on? What was the purpose of drilling the hole right here? Or, why was it so
important to have this cleaned in this particular way? Without knowing the
reason for what I was doing, way too often I was doing it wrong or in a way
that was not helpful.
This was, thankfully, a lesson I have taken into other areas
of my life—knowing the reasons behind something, knowing the end goal, the
final target, really helps me understand the steps along the way. Of course,
this has shaped my understanding, practice, and teaching of my faith as well. Like
so many folks, I can sort of do a job, even if I don’t know why; but when I
grasp the point of a project, everything becomes more clear. A Christian prays.
OK, I learn to pray. But, before I explored what the point of prayer was, my
prayer life suffered. A Christian reads the Bible, or is involved in ministry.
OK, I can do that. But, once I know why these things are part of the Christian
life, my practice is so much richer.
In worship this week, like last week, we will be looking at
Christ’s statement from the cross, “It is finished!” We began last week to
explore just some of the depths of that statement, and we’ll continue to do so
this week. “It is finished!” What is finished? Well, we talked about some of
the things Christ had in mind when He cried out. As we continue to look at
those things, we’ll see how they fit together—how an end goal is in mind. And,
understanding the overarching plan will help us understand what Jesus was
“finishing”.
If Christ’s goal was to die, then “it is finished” means one
thing—the dying is finished. If He intended to show forth God’s love, then “it
is finished” means He faithfully has shown that love. If the goal was the
fulfillment of prophecy, then the finished work of the cross fulfilled it all.
If the conquest of Satan is in mind, then at the cross Jesus finished in
victory. All of these were “finished” at the cross… and so much more! Can we
summarize them? Explain them in a way that helps our faith by understanding the
end goal, the point of it all? Join us in worship this week, and let’s see!
As you prepare for worship this week, read John 19:28-30 and
John 16:25-33.
1. When you use the word “finished”, what different
meanings come to mind? For instance, what is the difference between “ended” and
“accomplished”?
2. When you read Jesus’ statement, what is the tone of
Jesus’ words in your mind? How loud are the words? What emotion is present
there? Obviously, in the midst of suffering crucifixion, is Jesus frustrated?
Angry? Happy? Satisfied? In despair?
3. The verse ends with “gave up his spirit,” obviously,
meaning He died. But, why is it phrased that way? Why “gave up”? Why “his
spirit”? Is Matthew trying to say anything particular here?
4. What is going on when Jesus speaks in John 16? Look
around and make sure you know when/where Jesus and His disciples are when He
speaks this section.
5. What are the disciples' emotions at this point? How does
that impact the way they might have heard Jesus’ words?
6. In verse 33, Jesus says He has overcome the world. In
what ways has He “overcome”?
7. He precedes that statement with the encouragement “take heart”. Why would He encourage the disciples this way at this time? How are the two statements—“take heart” and “I have overcome”—connected?
7. He precedes that statement with the encouragement “take heart”. Why would He encourage the disciples this way at this time? How are the two statements—“take heart” and “I have overcome”—connected?
