Last Words

READ: JOHN 19

If you search “famous last words,” you’ll read the final thoughts of a variety of people throughout history— thoughts that range from sad to crass to funny to hopeful.

Jesus has seven recorded statements from the cross, but His final statement summarizes His saving work: with His last breath, Jesus announces, “It is finished” (John 19:30). It’s a startling end to the life of the greatest person who ever trod the planet. And yet, on the surface, the three-word sentence seems rather basic.

But picture Leonardo DaVinci painting the Mona Lisa. He has spent many years perfecting his painting. There’s the blend of colors, the smile, the eyes, the shading. Finally, after completing his masterpiece, I imagine DaVinci puts down his brush, sits back in his chair, and announces, “It is finished.”

That’s the sense of Jesus’s words. He had come down from heaven, become a human, lived a perfect life to fulfill the requirements of the law. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He declared that there was nothing more for Him to do to make sinful people righteous before a holy Father. As Christians, we are His masterpiece—the work is already done (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The implications of this are huge. There is nothing left to do, nothing left undone. Jesus completed the task—dying on the cross and then rising from the grave—so there is nothing left for us to earn. Jesus’s righteousness covers those who put their faith in Him (Romans 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Virtually every other religion offers salvation through works, but Christianity relies on Christ’s work to provide our salvation from sin and death. Jesus removed all doubt with His final words on the cross: “It is finished.” • Mike Hurley

• When Jesus died and rose again, what work did He finish?

• Why is Jesus the only one who can finish the work of salvation in us? (Philippians 1:6)

• Because Jesus rose from the dead, His words on the cross weren’t really His last. And this is good news! Find out more on our "Know Jesus" page.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (CSB)