John 19 Devotional

Nothing Left to Add

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.”John 19:30 (BSB)

John 19 does not look away from the cross. Jesus is flogged, crowned with thorns, dressed in a purple robe, mocked, and struck again and again (19:1-3). Pilate finds no basis for a charge, yet hands him over to be crucified (19:6, 16). Above the cross a notice names him King of the Jews in three languages (19:19-20). Even here, Jesus cares for others, entrusting his mother to the disciple he loved (19:26-27).

Then, with everything accomplished, Jesus receives the sour wine and declares his work complete. He bows his head and gives up his spirit (19:28-30). Scripture is fulfilled in detail, down to the soldiers casting lots for his clothing and not one of his bones being broken (19:24, 36). Hebrews says that Christ offered one sacrifice for sins for all time and then sat down at God's right hand (Hebrews 10:12). Nothing remains to be paid. You do not have to add to what Jesus has finished. You can rest your whole weight on it today.

To think about: What are you still trying to add to Jesus' finished work in order to feel right with God?