The Pursuit - 12 WeeksSample

John 19 brings us to the darkest, yet most victorious, moment in history. Jesus is arrested, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. Soldiers cast lots for His clothes. The religious leaders sneer. His followers scatter in grief. On the surface, it looks like defeat.

But notice how John tells the story. Over and over, he points out that Jesus’ suffering fulfilled Scripture. Every detail was part of God’s plan—down to the vinegar offered for His thirst. Even in agony, Jesus was in control.

Then comes His final cry: “It is finished.” With that declaration, He wasn’t announcing surrender; He was proclaiming victory. The work of salvation was complete. The debt of sin was paid in full. The power of death was broken.

For us, those three words are life-changing. You don’t have to keep striving to earn God’s approval. You don’t have to live under the weight of guilt and shame. Jesus finished the work. Your role is not to add to it, but to receive it.

Reflection:

How does Jesus’ cry of “It is finished” challenge you to stop striving and start trusting in His finished work?