So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)

There is great satisfaction when we finish something. Whenever we complete a task, finish a race or get to the bottom of our to-do list, there is always that feeling of satisfaction: a sense that our hard work has paid off andthat our efforts have gained something. We often deserve a rest or a break in order to enjoy the results of our hard work. In fact, a rest is probably most enjoyable after hard work: we feel that the rest is deserved and are therefore able to enjoy it properly – not having to rest while worrying about unfinished work or feeling guilty, knowing that there is something we should be doing instead of resting!

The Bible explains that Jesus Christ is now in Heaven and that He is in fact sitting, not standing, at God’s right hand (Philippians 2:8-9). The reason for this is simple – He has finished His work on earth and is therefore sitting, or resting from this work. (Hebrews 10:12)

Why are Christians so thankful for this work? Why is Christ’s work relevant to us? The work that Christ completed was the penalty that needed to be paid for the sins that we have committed against God. If Christ did not finish this work for us, then we would have to finish it ourselves and endure death and separation from God for eternity. Any person who puts their trust in Christ and His finished work on the cross will be able to enjoy this ultimate rest knowing that their sins have been forgiven.