The Fulfillment of Jesus’ Mission

John 19:28-30; Luke 24:44-49

The mission of Jesus culminates in His death and resurrection, which fulfilled everything He came to accomplish. In these passages, we see the completion of His redemptive work and His commission to His followers to continue His mission.

• “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at

Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” (Luke 24:44-49)

Exegesis and Study

• “It is Finished”: In John 19:30, Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished,” signify the completion of His mission. The Greek word translated as “finished” (tetelestai) implies that Jesus has accomplished all that was required to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. His death on the cross paid the full price for humanity’s sins, bringing about the reconciliation between God and humanity.
• The Fulfillment of Scripture: Jesus’ statement in Luke 24:44-49 emphasizes that His life, death, and resurrection were the fulfillment of all that was written about Him in the Scriptures. Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand how the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms pointed to Him as the Messiah. This understanding is crucial for their mission to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations.
• The Great Commission: In Luke 24:47-49, Jesus commissions His disciples to continue His mission by preaching the Gospel to all nations. This mission is to begin in Jerusalem but is intended to reach the ends of the earth. Jesus also promises to send the Holy Spirit (“what my Father has promised”) to empower them for this task, ensuring that they will have the divine assistance needed to fulfill their calling.

Practical Application

• Living in the Victory of Christ’s Finished Work: Jesus’ declaration that “It is finished” invites us to live in the victory that He has won for us. We no longer have to strive for salvation; it has been accomplished through His sacrifice. Our response is to live in the freedom and grace that He has provided, sharing the good news of His finished work with others.
• Participating in the Mission of Jesus: The Great Commission in Luke 24 calls us to participate in the ongoing mission of Jesus by sharing the message of repentance and forgiveness. We are called to be witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out this mission in our communities and beyond.

Prayer Guide

• Pray for Confidence in Christ’s Finished Work: Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ words, “It is finished.” Pray for the confidence to rest in His completed work on the cross, trusting that your salvation is secure and that you are fully accepted by God through Christ.
• Pray for Empowerment for Mission: Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit, empowering you to participate in the mission of Jesus. Pray for boldness, wisdom, and opportunities to share the Gospel with those around you, both in word and in deed. Conclusion: Embracing the Mission of Jesus As we conclude this week’s study, we are reminded of the centrality of Jesus’ mission and ministry in the Christian faith. Jesus came to save and redeem, to bring light into the

darkness, to heal the broken, and to offer eternal life to all who believe in Him. His mission was not just about words but was demonstrated through His actions—healing the sick, liberating the oppressed, and ultimately giving His life on the cross. As His followers, we are called to continue this mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This means living out the values of the kingdom, sharing the Gospel, and serving others with compassion and love. The mission of Jesus is ongoing, and we are invited to participate in it, confident that He is with us every step of the way. May we embrace Jesus’ mission in our own lives, living in the light of His finished work and sharing His love with a world in need. And as we do, may we experience the fullness of life that comes from following Him, the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Final Prayer

• Pray for a Heart Aligned with Jesus’ Mission: Ask God to align your heart with the mission of Jesus. Pray for a deeper understanding of His calling on your life and for the courage to follow where He leads.
• Pray for the Fulfillment of Jesus’ Mission in the World: Reflect on the ongoing mission of Jesus in the world. Pray for the spread of the Gospel, for the healing of the broken, and for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Ask God to use you as part of His plan to bring salvation and restoration to all people.

Week 58: