‘It is Finished’ and The Beginning!

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:8-11.

What does this week mean to Jesus? Jesus came as a baby to the virgin, Mary. The angel of the Lord introduced Jesus to the shepherds. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11.

And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 5:52. When Jesus was grown, He called his disciples and taught them. Jesus healed those who were sick, made the blind to see, and the lame to walk. He raised Lazarus from the dead to glorify the Lord.

On the night of the betrayal of Jesus, He took Peter, James, and John with Him as He prayed, And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:35-36.

Jesus had a mission, and on the cross, He completed it. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30. What is the mission? “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

The Whoever is anyone who believes… Jesus IS. This declaration, this mission we know as mercy. This is grace. This is redemption from God on high. Why did Jesus God make this sacrifice? Why did Jesus go through with such a horrible experience? Love. God the Father and God the Son both love you, and you, and you, and me. Is it any wonder that Jesus taught us to Love One Another? Those are the two commandments, not ten commandments, but these two, we are to obey. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

When Jesus became a man, He called his disciples and taught them. Jesus healed those who were sick, made the blind to see, and the lame to walk. He raised Lazarus from the dead to glorify the Lord.

Jesus had a mission, and on the cross, He completed it. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30. What is the mission? “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

The Whoever is anyone who believes Jesus IS. This declaration, this mission, known as mercy, is grace. This is redemption from God on high. Why did Jesus God make this sacrifice? Why did Jesus go through with such a horrible experience? Love. God the Father, God the Son both love you, and you, and you, and me. Is it any wonder that Jesus taught us to Love One Another? Those are the two commandments, not ten commandments, but these two, we are to obey. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

This gift of Grace means eternal life. This Redemption is being at Home with God forever! It means having hope and faith and joy every day on this earth, even during the hard times.

It means having the Holy Spirit 24/7, to lead and guide us. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17.

This week contained heartache for our Lord and a final glory with resurrection and a New Beginning for all of those who believe. This week is the Holy Week, begins with a ride on a donkey, acclaimed by shouts of praise to those waving palm branches. (Matthew 21:1, Mark 11;1, Luke 19:29, and John 12:12).

On Monday – Jesus cleanses the temple. (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:22, and Luke 19:45)

Tuesday marks the day Judas bargains to betray Jesus with the Sanhedrin. Jesus teaches on faith. (Matthew 21:20, Mark 11:20 Luke 20:36, and John 12:20)

Wednesday is the day Jesus prepares for the Last Supper, while Judas and Sanhedrin prepare to arrest Jesus.

Thursday, Peter and John prepare the Passover meal. Matthew 26:1, Mark 14:1, and Luke 22:1) Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, going to the Garden of Eden and the agony of Jesus. Betrayal by Judas, and arrest by Sanhedrin. Peter betrays Jesus.

Friday is a busy day, with trials before Annas, Sanhedrin, Romans, Pilate, and the fifth trial before Herod, and then Pilate. Jesus is scourged and crucified. Judas hangs himself. (Matthew 26:1, Mark 24:53, Luke 22:54, and John 18:13)

From the cross, Jesus said these seven things: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” “Woman, behold thy son.” “My God, My God!” “I thirst”. “It is finished.” and “Into Thy hands, I commit my spirit!” Jesus’ side is pierced. He is buried by sundown.

Saturday. Pilate granted the request of the Jewish leadership and sets a seal on the tomb of Jesus. (Matthew 27:66)

Sunday. Jesus Christ rises from the dead before dawn, and He made five appearances on the day of His rising. He appeared before Mary Magdalene, and two other women came to the tomb to complete the burial preparation. He appeared to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, to the astonished disciples while Thomas was absent. (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:1, and John 20:1)

(This outline comes from Christianity.com)