It Is Finished

What did Christ mean by his final words "It is finished"? Dr. Sri explains the meaning of Christ's final words on the cross at Calvary and how they are words of triumph and not defeat.

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Jesus wants his sacrificial love to live in our hearts.

Dr. Sri’s Step by Step Guide through the Triduum

Dr. Sri is offering a step by step guide that will walk you through the events of Christ’s Passion in Scripture. You can receive this guide by email info.edwardsri@gmail.com. There is an option to do a simple version or a more extensive one depending on what you’re able to do.

It is Finished

These words could sound like words of defeat. However, these words are actually words of triumph. In Latin, this sentence would be translated as “It is consummated.” Other translations could read it as “It is accomplished.” One thing these words are revealing is that Christ has accomplished and fulfilled the will of the Father. However, there is more to understand from these words.

Prophecies Are Fulfilled

Throughout Christ’s Passion in the Scriptures, there are many prophecies fulfilled. Below are a few:

• Pilate has a sign placed above Christ on the cross that says, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” This sign was actually accurate because Christ is the true King. His crucifixion was not a defeat but actually his enthronement.
• Christ’s garments are divided and the soldiers cast lots over them. This is in fulfillment of Psalm 22.
• Christ’s tunic is not torn. The tunic is a symbol of a priestly garment. Therefore, this is in contrast to the high priest Caiphas who tore his garment, something a priest a was never to do. The contrast is there because Christ is the true High Priest.
• The pierced side of Christ fulfills Zechariah 12:10.

Completion of the Passover Meal

What we find in Christ’s final words “It is finished” is actually the completion of the Passover meal he began on the night of Holy Thursday. At the Last Supper, Christ changed wine into his blood. This cup was the third cup of Passover, the Cup of Blessing. In a Passover meal, there are four cups. However, Christ did not mention the fourth cup, the Cup of Consummation.

In fact, he says in Matthew 26:29 “I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” In the garden, Christ asks that the cup pass him by. When he arrives at Calvary, he refuses the wine they offer him. Finally, on the cross, Christ says that he thirsts and after tasting the wine, he says, “It is finished.” Christ is not just stating that he has accomplished the mission. He is declaring that the Passover meal is finished.