The Finished work of Jesus By John Eicher

The Heart of God and Redemption• Humanity became guilty by choosing sin, breaking God’s heart.• God’s love and determination to redeem began immediately after the fall—He never gave up on His creation.• The ultimate proof of God’s love: giving His own Son as the means of redemption.Jesus Before Pilate: God’s Sovereign Plan• Pilate, though in authority, was ultimately fulfilling God’s predetermined plan.• Pilate repeatedly declared Jesus innocent, yet succumbed to public pressure.• Jesus affirmed that Pilate had no power except what God allowed—an assurance of God’s control over all circumstances.The Crucifixion: Fulfillment of Prophecy• Every detail of Jesus’ suffering—His scourging, the crown of thorns, the division of His garments—fulfilled ancient prophecies.• Jesus was crucified between two criminals, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would be “numbered with the transgressors.”Jesus’ Compassion and Final Words• Even in agony, Jesus cared for His mother, entrusting her to John.• Jesus offered forgiveness to His persecutors and hope to the repentant thief, promising him paradise.• The darkness and Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” reveal the weight of bearing humanity’s sin and the pain of separation from the Father.• Jesus’ final words—committing His spirit to God, declaring “It is finished”—signaled the completion of His redemptive work.The Tearing of the Veil: New Access to God• At Jesus’ death, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing the opening of direct access to God for all believers.• The preacher presents a vivid image: not only are we invited in, but God Himself comes out to dwell intimately within His people through the Holy Spirit.• This indwelling is deeper than any human relationship, calling for total surrender and openness to God’s rule in every area of our lives.The Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice• Jesus gave all—every drop of His blood—for our redemption.• His sacrifice is superior to all previous offerings, truly removing sin rather than just covering it.• Believers are encouraged to live free from guilt, shame, and condemnation, fully trusting in the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood.Reflections & Encouragement• The story of the cross is ever-new: each retelling can bring fresh truth and deeper appreciation.• Like Jesus, we can bring our “why” questions to God, but always from a foundation of trust and relationship.• The call is to rejoice, believe, and live in the freedom Jesus purchased—allowing God’s Spirit to fill every part of our hearts and lives.Closing Blessing:May we fully embrace the fellowship and cleansing Jesus offers, celebrating the finished work of the cross and living in the power and freedom of His resurrection.