What did Jesus complete on the cross?

Jesus' final words reveal what was accomplished on the cross—and why it matters.

The meaning of His final words  At the end of His suffering, Jesus speaks just three words: "It is finished."    These are not words of defeat, but of completion.    Everything the Father had given Him to do—every act of obedience, every step toward the cross—has now been fulfilled. What began long before, promised through Scripture and carried out in His life, reaches its completion in this moment.    Jesus is not overcome by events. He remains purposeful, even here.  Look Inside: What "It is finished" means  The abridged Expositor's Bible Commentary, available with Bible Gateway Plus, explains:    30  The phrase "It is finished" signifies the completion of Jesus' work and the establishment of a basis for faith. Nothing further needed to be done. His act was voluntary and confident, for he had discharged perfectly the Father's purpose and was triumphantly leaving the scene of his human struggle. This statement is almost certainly a shout of victory. John makes it the final report of Jesus to the Father, who would now exalt him to glory. Having said this, Jesus "laid his head to rest and dismissed his spirit" (lit. tr.). He retained consciousness and command of himself till the very end.  Why this moment matters  These words mark the completion of something we could not accomplish ourselves.    What Jesus finished on the cross was not only His suffering—but the work of redemption. The debt of sin, the weight we carry, and the separation we could not overcome are met here.    "It is finished" means the work has been completed in full—every purpose perfectly fulfilled, every step carried out.    When you explore passages like this with trusted Study Bible notes and commentary, Scripture opens in new ways—helping you understand not only what happened, but what it means.    With Bible Gateway Plus, resources like this appear alongside the book, chapter, and verse you're reading—so you can pause, reflect, and grow in understanding as you walk through Holy Week.  Start Your Free Trial 7-day free trial • Cancel anytime • Over $5,300 in value, as low as $4.17/month*  Have any questions? Please write to us at support@biblegateway.com. *All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only.    This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this email because you're a member of the Bible Gateway Plus service. If you have questions or comments about this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway communication | Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication   VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►