John 18:1-19, 42
On Good Friday we remember the words of Jesus when he was crucified. John’s gospel does not portray Jesus as a passive, silent victim, at the mercy of evil forces beyond his control. Rather, John makes it clear that this event is part of Jesus’ plan, or at least the consequence of Jesus’ plan. Jesus is far from powerless during his passion. He engages in vigorous verbal exchanges, sharp commands, feisty challenges, penetrating questions, deep observations and piognant words of comfort from the moment of his arrest until his final breath. Finally, Jesus says, “It is finished” which is a shout of confidence in his completion of God’s mission in the world – “Yes!! it is finished!” He did what he set out to do. With Jesus lifted up on the cross, we are able to see, more clearly than ever before, the suffering, self-sacrificing love of Christ by which the world is reconciled to God.