28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
-John 19:28-30
For some reason this verse has been put on my mind with the ending of the semester and the finishing of finals. I notice the relief felt in students, including myself, when that last paper or test is complete. It's a great feeling. But why is it so great? What caused us to want that end? Could it have been the stress each class had caused us at some point? Maybe the fact that when it's all said and done, we get to relax?
This brings to mind the words of Christ, "It is finished."
Christ felt that stress and probably wanted things to end. He was sent to die for us, and it makes me wonder what He felt like knowing that He would soon give up His spirit after such a grueling battle to the cross. He remained perfect and didn't complain (like we do about our homework and quizzes).
This realization doesn't take away my relief from a semester ended; but it does make me appreciate it. I can't begin to imagine what Christ felt like when he was finished with His task. It makes our seem so small.
I am looking at my psych final a lot differently now. For that matter, that history final was nothing compared to what Christ had to finish!
ReplyDeleteDo post regularly, Kelsie. I very much like your insight, and you are a really good writer! :)