Sorry for being absent last week. But we are back! We’ll pick up where we left off with John 19. Today, we see the death of Jesus. He says it is finished. He has finished His task. It is complete. This task completes the process of salvation as well. All that is required for salvation has now been done. There is nothing more that needs to be done or added. It is finished. We also talk about the beautiful symbology of the blood and the water that flows from Jesus’ side. There’s something very powerful here as well.

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history.

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Hey there! Remember me? I’m Andy, and it’s so good to be back with you for Rooted in Christ! It’s been a while since we’ve been together, and I’ve missed this time. Last week was a hectic one for a few reasons. I was sick for several days, which left me without much of a voice, and, as many of you know, our church family experienced a tragic loss. Both contributed to me being out of commission, but by God’s grace, here we are again. I’m excited to be back with you, and we’ll aim to stick to our regular schedule moving forward.

Today, we’re continuing with John 19, picking up in verses 28 through 37.

This passage reveals not just the event of Jesus’ death but also the deeper significance behind it. Over and over, we see the fulfillment of Scripture:

• Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” confirms that His mission was complete.
• His unbroken bones reflect the prophecy from Psalm 34:20, “He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.”
• The piercing of His side echoes Zechariah 12:10, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.”

Every detail, every action, was part of God’s plan. This reminds us of an important truth: God is always at work, fulfilling His promises.

On Sunday, I shared that hope is trusting that God is at work and peace is trusting that God is in control. These are truths we cling to, even when life feels uncertain. Knowing that God’s plan is perfect allows us to rest in His peace.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t just referring to His earthly life. He was declaring the completion of His mission—atoning for our sins, defeating death, and breaking the curse of the Fall. Salvation was accomplished. The weight of sin had been carried, and the price had been paid.

I recently came across a beautiful medieval image that depicts angels encircling Jesus as His side is pierced. They catch the blood and water—one in the chalice for communion and the other in the baptismal font. This symbolism reminds us of how Jesus nourishes us:

• Water symbolizes our cleansing through baptism, welcoming us into God’s family.
• Blood points to the life-giving power of Christ’s sacrifice, nourishing us through communion.

Even in His death, Jesus provides what we need for eternal life. His suffering becomes our spiritual sustenance, and His sacrifice is the foundation of our hope.

Friends, I want to encourage you today: rest in the finished work of Christ. There’s nothing more to earn, nothing left to prove. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has already accomplished it all. Our salvation is secure.

As we continue through the season of Advent, let’s remember that our peace comes from trusting in the One who holds all things together. Life is found in Christ and Christ alone.

It’s good to be back with you. I hope you have a blessed day, and we’ll see you again soon for more Rooted in Christ.