It Is Finished
“Take (the animal) all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. But burn the flesh of the bull, its hide and dung outside the camp; it is a sin offering.” Ex. 29:14. Sacrifice, as prescribed in the old testament, was the only method in which human sin could be removed. The animal, or victim as it was referred to, was slaughtered in an exacting procedure that God himself had instituted. The rite did not vary, and the victim was checked for imperfections, because only spotless, blemish-free animals were worthy. Please note that the choice parts of the animal were burn inside on the altar, but the lesser cuts, were hauled outside of town and burned. It was believed that the sin was contained in these pieces, and must be taken out to a remote area. Hence, the chance of the sin returning were lessened. For countless generations, faithful Jews would bring their sacrificial animals to the priest. He would perform the ancient ritual, day after day, year after year, in hopes of attaining a personal cleansing. The problem was, sin always returned. The blood of animals, no matter how perfect, could never completely remove the offences. It was never finished. Job security for the priest, you might say, but tedious for everyone else. But, with no other option, the massacres continued. “Oh, if only there was an uber-perfect victim, one whom God would accept, then we could put an end to this bloodshed.” This must have been the constant lament of the nation.
You may not see the connection between this gory scene and Calvary, so let me explain.
Keep reminding yourself that Jesus was born and died a Jewish man, that’s important. Fast forward to the year 33 AD. The Passover is in full swing in the city of Jerusalem. Observant Jews from all over the world have congregated to celebrate. Historians believe that as many as 2.5 million people would converge to participate and to sacrifice. Up to 250,000 animals were offered up during this week-long period, I’m sure Jesus took an animal up as well. But still no end in sight. We are all too familiar with the events leading up to what we now refer to as Good Friday. The arrest, the mockery of a trial, the road to the barren hill outside of town, and finally, the crucifixion. For three hours he endured unimaginable pain, the jeers of the crowd and weight of man’s sins. “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. The prophetic pieces had all fallen into place. Jesus, the unblemished victim, carrying the sin of the world upon him, was taken outside of town, just like the sinful parts of those animal sacrifices. However, this time God accepted the perfect victim, on behalf of all mankind. Jesus knew his work was done, and his last words summed it up…IT IS FINISHED. No more ram, bull or dove barbecues. No more shed blood, ever again. That folks, is our hope, our good news, and there is nothing we can add, it’s complete. Hallelujah!
