“It is finished.”

In John’s gospel, Jesus is not only referring to the end of his life, but also the end of his mission on earth.

The very incarnation of Christ as Jesus, son of Mary and foster-son of Joseph, was a sending into the world for a mission. Christ was “called” to come forth into the human dwelling place of flesh-and-blood on earth.  He was also sent by the Father to minister by healing, preaching the good news, teaching us a better way to live, and revealing the great love the God has for all humans.

In John’s gospel, Jesus knows ahead of time that he will suffer torture and death (“my hour”) and yet he continues the work God has given him (the very work that makes others jealous and want to put him to death). Although Jesus’ popularity with the crowds turns from the cheers of Palm Sunday to the cries of “crucify him,” Jesus remains faithful to the message of his preaching and the truth through it all.

Integrity.

Which one of us would have stayed true to the end? Wouldn’t it have been easier to run away from Jerusalem before he got there? To tell Pilate it was all a case of mistaken identity? A misunderstanding of what he meant? To reason with people about why they shouldn’t kill him?

Jesus faces death head on. Stays true to his mission, true to his Father’s will. Willingly submits to other humans who torture and kill him.

“It is finished.”

Until next time, Amen!