It is finished Week 17, 2012

“What did Jesus mean by that?” He certainly did not mean “I am finished” as some would say when things become unexpectedly difficult. This was a cry of victory. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do Jn 17:4(ESV). “So all things are accomplished?” We-ell He was not also saying all things are accomplished. This cry was specific: it is finished. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit Jn 19:30(ESV). That which God planned for Him to do on this earth was accomplished.
“You still haven’t said what he meant.” Do you remember John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jn 1:29(ISV)? God had been promising a saviour who would take upon Himself the sin of the whole world. This saviour would by His sacrificial death purchase forgiveness and eternal life for those who come to Him. “Where is that written?” Isa 53:4-6(ESV) Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
“Are you certain this refers to Jesus and not another person?” That is exactly what the Ethiopian eunuch asked Phillip when reading the same passage Act 8:28-35. He confirms it refers to Jesus. In saying it is finished Jesus indicates sin has finally been carried by Him for mankind; personally. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to those sins and live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed 1Pt 2:24(ESV).
Have you sinned against God? “All have.” Jesus Christ has become the sacrifice that brings peace between us and God. The price for our rebellion has been fully paid by the spotless substitute: “It is finished.”
There had been restricted access to the very presence of God before now. This was symbolised in a curtain separating the Most Holy place in the temple from other sections. About the time He said it the curtain of the temple was torn in two Lk 23:45(ESV) signifying the very presence of God is made accessible to anyone who believes. Nobody needs to continue with the weight of sin. It’s also impossible to get relief elsewhere: it is finished.