Today’s song takes a more classic look at the crucifixion of Christ. With all the paintings and sculptures that have depicted the crucifixion in a way that downplays the horror that crucifixion was, it is hard to imagine what Christ actually went through. Jesus knew all too well what was going to happen, and the humanity in Him struggled with it:
In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus “began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.” (v. 37) He prayed three separate times:
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- “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (v. 39)
- “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (v. 42)
- After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. (v. 44)
Each of these prayers shows His desire to find a different way, if possible. However, they also show submission to the will of the Father.
In Mark, He says, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow —to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34 HCSB). Luke adds:
Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:43-44 HCSB)
He knew what was about to occur. He knew it was much more than just dying, but being tortured to death. That is why He was so distressed to the point that He began to sweat, and the sweat was like drops of blood. His distress was so great that the Father sent an angel to strengthen Him. This is not an ordinary occurrence. Even though Jesus is God, angels did not make a habit of visiting Him here on earth, at least not that is recorded in the Bible. The other example we have is after Satan tried to tempt Him in the wilderness, “angels came and began to minister to Him.” (Matt 4:11 NASB)
The mystery of the incarnation of Jesus is that He was 100% God and at the same time 100% man. It was His humanity that was swallowed up in agony and did not want to go to the cross. It was His humanity that obeyed the Father, and did it anyway. But, it was the fact that He is also God that He willingly went to the cross, laid down His life and died for each one of us. It was because He is God that He loved His creation enough to enact a plan of salvation that included death on the cross.
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2 NASB)
“It is Finished”
By Petra
In the heat of the early morning
On a hill they call the Skull
The roaring of the angry mob had settled to a lull
All eyes were cast upon the man whose hands and feet were bound
They saw him cry in anguish when they heard the hammer pound
They saw the bloody woven thorns with which His head was crowned
They watched the bloody cross of wood be dropped into the ground
The soldiers gambled for His clothes, they watched them win and lose
They saw the sign above His head that said “King of the Jews”
(It is finished) And the sky grew black as the night
(It is finished) And the people scattered in fright
The work had been done, redemption had been won
The war was over without a fight
It is finished
They searched His face for anger, for vengeance in His stare
Instead of eyes that burned with hate a look of love was there
He prayed for their forgiveness and bowed His battered head
And no one knew the meaning of the final words He said
(It is finished) And the sky grew black as the night
(It is finished) And the people scattered in fright
The work had been done, redemption had been won
The war was over without a fight
It is finished
The provision has been made
The foundation has been laid
He paid the ransom due and tore the temple veil in two
And opened up the way for me and you
It is finished
(It is finished) And the sky grew black as the night
(It is finished) And the people scattered in fright
The work had been done, redemption had been won
The war was over without a fight
It is finished
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