"It is Finished"

by Lanette Kissel
(Evansville, IN U.S.A.)

John 19:30 (KJV)
...he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

The disciples surely thought it was finished,
that the world had gone insane.
How could the Father allow this to happen?
Was Jesus teaching all in vain?

Both “Mary’s” surely thought it was finished,
as they witnessed their worst fears,
seeing the Man they both loved near death.
They could hardly see Him through their tears.

The high priests surely thought it was finished,
their voices rising in a victory shout,
as they watched their plan grow to fruition,
thinking their competition had been wiped out.

Pontius Pilate just wanted it all finished.
“To what crimes can this Man confess?”
“Since I can find no fault with Him,
I will simply wash my hands of this mess.”

Judas’ conscience surely knew he was finished,
as he regretted his actions too late.
He had betrayed the only Son of God,
and his name would earn history’s hate.

The thief surely thought he was finished,
receiving just punishment for his life of sin,
until a single plea, “Lord, remember me”,
his new home in paradise to win.

The centurion surely thought, “We’re finished.”
What is this wicked deed we have done?
As the earth beneath his feet trembled,
“Surely this Man was God’s Son.”

Jesus cried out, “It is finished.”
Yet it had only just begun.
The Father and Son were reunited.
The two deities again became one.

Christ cried out, “It is finished.”
But it was only just beginning.
The apostles would continue his mission.
Hearts and souls they would soon be winning.

Satan’s power over us, it is finished,
since Christ played the sacrificial Lamb’s part.
Jesus gave His life for you and me.
He’s become the focus of the Christian’s heart.