It is finished

The words above are Jesus' words. They are mighty words that describe the culmination of all of Jesus' life and death. For three years, Jesus walked, taught, lived, and then died for you. In today's note to you, I want to share a bit if the agony that Jesus experienced.
It began after the Maundy Thursday meal. Jesus declared during the meal that all of the disciples would scatter and run away from here because of fear. Then our friend, Peter, boldly proclaimed to Jesus and all the friends, "Nope. I will not do that to you. I will fight for you. I will die for you." Jesus then shared, "Peter, before this night is over, before the rooster crows, you will deny my three times."
That hurt Peter. That cut Peter to the heart. Peter says, "No, Lord, that will never happen." Everyone else agreed with Peter.
Peter is about to eat rooster.

Jesus is arrested. Jesus is beaten. Peter is watching the whole thing from a distance. Three times Peter is confronted, "You were with him. You're a Galilean. Your accent gives you away. You were with him." Peter vehemently denies. The rooster crows. Jesus looks Peter in the eye. Peter is filled with grief and remorse and runs away.
Jesus is sent to Pilate. Pilate tries to free Jesus to no avail. Jesus, by means of "I am washing my hands of the mess," is condemned to die. Jesus is beaten within an inch of His life. And He continues to live. Jesus is crowned with a crown of thorns and is ridiculed. Jesus is nailed to the cross. Jesus cries out, "Father forgive them for do not know what they are doing." Jesus forgives a thief who was dying alongside Him. Jesus cries, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?"

And now, "It is finished." The work of redemption, renewal, rebirth, and release is DONE! Jesus' work is finished. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for many. You are I are some of the many.
And what does it mean for Jesus to say, "It is finished?" It's simple. Our new life was given. Our sins are atoned for. Our sins and sinful nature are washed as white as snow by the red blood of Jesus.
Jesus' life and work are finished. No more worries. No more fears. No more sorrow. Only peace. This is Jesus' gift to you.
I wish you all a very blessed Holy Week and Easter. I am looking forward to see you all in worship and praise.
Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!