Read Mark, chapters 14 & 15
“Palms & Passion”
Jo Elaine Harris
Jesus has been stripped and beaten, ridiculed, tried in a mock trial, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. He has carried his heavy wooden cross through the city and up the hill to Golgotha. Soldiers strip him naked, nail his hands and feet to the cross, and then hoist him up for all to see. Passersby hurl insults and cruel words at Jesus, some even hurl stones at his defenseless body; yet, Jesus remains peaceful. Darkness settles over the midday scene as he offers his final words. “It is finished!”
These three, powerful words are packed with meaning. In this situation, Jesus’ words do not merely refer to the end of his life. No, they mean much more than that. Note the exclamation point at the end of these three words – an exclamation point placed on his life. Jesus is confirming that he has accomplished what God sent him to do! Jesus fulfilled God’s dreams for his life!
I wonder if we will be able to say the same thing about our lives when our mortal bodies die. Will we be able to say that we faithfully followed the path God set out for us? Will we be able say that we fulfilled God’s dreams for our lives? Will we be able to say, “It is finished!” and put an exclamation point at the end?
As we bow at the foot of the cross this holy day, let us allow the blood of the lamb to fall upon us to redeem and renew us, and let us fulfill God’s dream for our lives, so that when our mortal bodies die, we can say, “It is finished!”
