John 19:30. "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished;' and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." FINISHED! The cross and God's greatest work. That was not just martyrdom when on the cross He hung. It was not just an example of self-sacrifice or a work that was finally done. There was far more than physical suffering involved that happened on the cross. There was a work of God that was finished so we wouldn't be forever lost.
God reached to man in human form, though God He would ever be. The righteous punishment for sin when Jesus was on the tree Was a deed accomplished that would make it possible for us to be reconciled To God in a righteous and legal way and that I could become God's child.
The price of redemption had to be paid that a holy God could justify. The blood that flowed from Emmanuel's veins was the only way to buy The slaves of sin and make them acceptable and forgiveness to obtain. Redemption's price has been paid once for all and forever will be maintained.
There doesn't need to ever be a fresh application of Christ's blood. Remission of sin was paid for at the cross and it satisfies a Holy God. Anything anyone tries to do to obtain some additional favor, Would be an unspeakable insult to the redemptive cross-work of the Savior.
Because of the cross there is incentive to live lives wholly pleasing to Him. Appreciation for the sacrifice Christ made, makes it abhorrent to us to sin. When sin besets us we feel within the urgency to return In confession to God and with faith we trust a lesson we have finally learned.
Love for Christ is a reality that we cannot just pretend. It is placed by God deep within when the Holy Spirit He did send. He prompts our obedience and a deep commitment that from it we cannot shirk. The accomplishments that took place at the cross is truly God's greatest work.
"O Father, this morning my thoughts go again to all that was accomplished when Jesus died on the cross. We probably will learn in the future and whole lot more was done than all we know now. For what I do know, I praise and thank Thee from my heart. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
THE BURIAL v.38. Joseph of Arimathea: counselor, good man, just v.39. Nicodemus: the size of his gift testifies to the love he had for the Lord.
v.40. Burial customs: only rich men had tombs in gardens. v.41. His body had to be buried before sunset as the Sabbath began at that time. In this way the Lord would be three days and three nights in the earth. v.42. THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST: Ruth 3:4,14. “Mark the place where He shall lie.” [In the Gospels] His grace [Lu.2]: “lying in a manger.” The King of kings in humiliation. “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ...........” His faith [Mk.4:38]: “...hinder part of the ship.” “I must finish the work of Him who sent me.” His work [Matt.26:39]: “...fell on His face and prayed...” “It is finished...” His victory [Jn.19:42]: “There laid they Jesus.” “I have power to lay down My life and I have power to take it again.” He set aside the laws of birth, death and gravity.
“Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee and hold it.” His humility: [Phil.2] His Person: Our subjection to His person. Do we have a veil on to receive a blessing from Him? His blessing: The size of the veil determined the size of the blessing.
“Uncover His feet.” [In the Gospels] Matthew: The only One born a king. Mark: The Servant Luke: 2000 words to tell of the supernatural birth of the Perfect Man. 24:39; 7:38; 10:39. John: The Son of God.