1/27/19 - The Cross of Christ - John 19:17-30

Who Is Jesus? For several months this is the question we've been asking and finding answers in John's gospel. Our text this Sunday contains the summary to all that can be said about Jesus. In fact, Jesus said it himself, "It is finished." What is finished? The restorative work God began in the Garden of Eden was completed on the cross. Do you remember why John writes his account?  but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 How do you know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? John is compiling the evidence for you. In this section John says specific crucifixion events happened, "according to the Scriptures." In other words, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies regarding the messiah. The words of Jesus while hanging on the cross also reveal his deity... "Behold your mother, behold your son." The cross of Christ gives us a new family.  "I thirst." Jesus experienced a spiritual thirst on your behalf. He entered the space of God's wrath upon sin for you.  "It is finished." The plan of God has been accomplished perfectly and the work is done. He has built the bridge spanning the chasm between you and God. And you didn't have to lift a finger. This is grace and grace is the cure for your feelings of inadequacy and superiority.