It Is Finished

“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30b

“It cost God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion.” C.S. Lewis

 

  • Take a moment this morning and connect with your prayer partner. Remember to keep your call to 10 minutes. If you have a hard time connecting, don’t give up! Try again later in the week.
  • Let’s discuss the Crucifixion. Find a quiet place to spend some time with our loving Savior.
  • Join me in reading the Lord’s Word. Open your Bible to John 19:17-30. Pay close attention to verses 28-30. Let God speak to you through his Word.

Have you ever sat and pondered the day Jesus died–His crucifixion? Have you imagined the crowd of people, the sounds, or even what the sky looked like that day? I have sat and thought about that day often during my quiet time. It is overwhelming to think about the amount of love Jesus has for us. Jesus demonstrates three character qualities I would like for us to study today. Join me as we look at the obedience, kindness, and forgiveness of Jesus during his final hours.

Jesus obeyed. Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him on that cross. He still lovingly followed His Father’s plan and did it without question. Matthew 26:39 (NLT) tells us that in the garden Jesus prayed to His Father and asked that this cup be removed from Him. “He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.’” Jesus understood that He must continue on the path laid out for Him. He obeyed, knowing that it would cost Him His life. I cannot imagine how He must have felt and what emotions cascaded over Him. Do you practice obedience in all aspects of your life? If not, pray and ask God to help you. He remains faithful to help!

Jesus practiced kindness. Jesus showed compassion to one of the men hanging next to Him during His crucifixion. Luke 23:42-43 tells us, “Then He said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Jesus, in the most horrible circumstances, took compassion on the thief hanging next to Him. Jesus prayed with him and for him. Do you practice kindness to those around you—especially those who are in the same situation you find yourself? Pray for the people in your world to know the love of Jesus.

Jesus forgave. Luke 23:34a (ESV) states, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And parting His garments among them, they cast lots.” Wow. Jesus could have chosen to dwell on so many different emotions, but He chose forgiveness. Does your daily walk allow for this kind of ready forgiveness? If you struggle with forgiveness, ask God right now to help you release any unforgiveness you have in your life.

Jesus died so that we may live. He did this freely. His love for you remains constant and overwhelming. “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). Jesus took upon His shoulders the burden of all the sin in the world. Sister, Jesus loves you so much that he gave His life for you. Because of His death, your sins are forgiven. When you accept Christ as Lord and Savior, it is truly finished! You are holy and redeemed! Have you received this free gift that He is offering you? If not, here is a simple prayer to pray:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins! I believe that You came for me and that You want to have a relationship with me! I don’t need to change in order to enter into Your presence. Thank you for loving me just as I am! I pray that today and the rest of my life You will help me to follow you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!”

If you’ve prayed that prayer for the first time, we would love to hear about it and pray with you for your new life. Please email us admin@helpclubformoms.com.

Blessings and Love,

Leslie

Questions to Ponder

  • What are some practical ways you can incorporate the qualities of obedience, kindness, and forgiveness into your daily life? Is there someone or something in one of these areas that needs your attention?

Faith-Filled Ideas

Plan to go to church on Easter Sunday with your family. Take a family photo and thank God for all that He has done for you and your family. Journal what you thanked God for and place a copy of the photo in your journal. You will be able to look at the photo over the next year and be reminded of all that God has done for you and your family.

easter day 16 graphic

 

Leslie Leonard
Latest posts by Leslie Leonard (see all)

8 Comments on “It Is Finished”

  1. I feel the holy spirit in my life after reading the above,Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom,

  2. Hi Susanne! Thank you SO much for pointing out this important truth. Oh my goodness! You are right! I am always so grateful when someone brings up typos of any kind! All of us Help Club team members are all real moms who spend time with God and do our best in all of our craziness of life to encourage other moms. It’s really amazing how much God accomplishes through our little motley crew of ordinary moms who volunteer to help the moms in our ministry!
    I am so grateful for this ministry and for people like you who follow us! If you ever notice anything else, please let us know! We are a 501c3 and love it when we have people who can volunteer and help us to publish excellent materials. Blessings to you on this wonderful Resurrection weekend. Love, Deb 🙂

    1. God bless you too, dear Deb.
      I am so happy that I found your ministry and I am looking forward to learn more about it.
      Love from Susanne.

  3. Leslie, I really like how you highlighted the 3 characters traits that stood out to you about Jesus. I want to daily live my life as He did, and this was such a great reminder. I’m so thankful for Jesus, and his finished work. What a great truth you shared, about us never having to be spiritually alone! This thought is very powerful and consoling!

  4. Oh my goodness Leslie, I am so thankful for this study! Easter feels so much more meaningful because of the Help Club studies and this one especially!! I love how you pointed us to Jesus’ perfect obedience! He is the One who obeyed perfectly. He alone is perfect!!

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