Gratitude for the cross – 'It is finished' - 2 April 2026
Ewald Schmidt
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30, NIV
Tomorrow is Good Friday. Once again, in faith, we stand at the foot of Jesus’ cross. We hear his final words: “It is finished.” These are not just three beautiful words – they are life-changing words.
In this passage from the Gospel according to John, we see everything in God’s plan of redemption coming to its decisive fulfilment. Jesus knows exactly what is happening, nothing is out of his control. Even when he said, “I am thirsty,” it was part of the fulfilment of Scripture. Until the very last moment, Jesus remained obedient to his Father.
And then He said it: “It is finished.”
Not: “I did my best.” Not: “It is almost done.” But: “It is finished.”
At the time, the Greek word Tetelestai was a bookkeeping term used for when a debt had been paid in full. It means completely settled. Nothing is outstanding. That is what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross, he paid our debt before God in full.
We struggle to believe this sometimes. We think we must still contribute something – be better, try harder, and prove ourselves. But the cross declares: It is done, nothing you do can add to what Jesus has already accomplished.
This changes how we live.
We do not live to impress God. We do not live to earn his love. We live in gratitude, because we already belong to him.
Perhaps today you are still carrying feelings of guilt. Perhaps you feel you have failed again. Listen carefully: “It is finished.” Your sin is not greater than his grace and your failures are not stronger than the cross. Jesus’ work is enough.
Good Friday is a solemn day – but it is also filled with hope. When Jesus bowed his head, he did not lose. He completed the work, the way to the Father is open. The matter is settled.
May gratitude fill your heart today. Rest in what Jesus has already done. Live lighter, live freer, live as someone whose debt has been paid.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you finished everything needed to save me. Thank you that I do not have to earn my own salvation. Help me to truly believe this and to live each day in gratitude to you. Amen.