If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week we focus on the word “triumph.” To all the world, the cross looked like a defeat. And yet, the final word of Jesus from the cross is a word of victory! “It is finished.”
Invitation Prayer
King of Kings, through your death you triumphed over death. Through your resurrection you have raised me to new life. May your kingdom come. Reign and rule over my life this day. Amen.
Confession
Merciful Lord, how often have surrendered to temptation, to the world, to my own sinful desires. How often have I ended the day ashamed and defeated. Yet You have triumphed over them all. Forgive my sins and strengthen my love that in You I may finally win the victory. Amen.
Word
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Meditation
“It is finished” could easily be spoken in a negative sense. We say things like, “I’m ruined.” “It’s all over.” “There is no way I could recover from this.” “I give up.” Jesus used these words differently, not as defeat but as triumph. “It is finished” meant that his saving work was completed by his sacrifice on the cross. It’s as if he said, “Sin is ruined. Death is over. Victory is here.” Only Jesus has the authority to use these words to rebuke sin and evil. Only Jesus can say, “It is finished” and a new life begins. Today, consider your secret sins that need to be finished. Then claim Jesus’ victory as forgiveness and a new start.
Jesus, bring an end to all that is rotten in me. Daily bring about a new beginning, a new man, a new woman. Amen.
Sending Prayer
I step forward in quiet boldness, Father, for I go forth in your promise, with great expectation and triumphant joy. I praise You Lord, for I have this confidence that the day is already won in Jesus. I praise and glorify Your name now and forevermore. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com