“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” — John 19:30
Welcome to the final week of our Lenten journey. We have traveled through the Gospel of John, letting go of control, ego, and fear. Now, we stand at the foot of the Cross. This week, we practice the ultimate surrender: trusting that Jesus has truly done it all.
The Word for the Week
Read: John 19:28-30
“Jesus knew that everything had now been finished… He said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it… and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
The Reflection: It is Finished
We spend our lives trying to “finish” ourselves. We try to finish our resumes, finish our self-improvement projects, and finish proving we are worthy. But from the cross, Jesus cries out, “Tetelestai”—a Greek accounting term meaning “paid in full.”
The “Final Surrender” is the surrender of our self-sufficiency. It is the moment we stop trying to save ourselves and allow the crucified Christ to be our life. We move from the exhaustion of “doing” to the peace of His “done.”
Weekly Prayer Focus: The Final Release
Find a quiet space. This week, we use a physical gesture of surrender.
The Activity: Stand with your arms outstretched to your sides, like a cross. Think of the one thing you are still trying to “fix” or “pay for” in your own life—a past mistake, a broken relationship, or a deep-seated fear. Feel the weight of holding your arms up.
Now, let your arms drop heavily to your sides. Exhale completely.
Pray: “Lord Jesus, it is finished. I surrender my effort to save myself. I receive Your finished work. I am Yours. Amen.”
Holy Week Reading Plan: The Final Days
- Thursday (The Last Supper): John 18:1-27
(The Arrest and Peter’s Denial: Surrendering our “strength”) - Friday : John 18:28 – 19:16
(The Trial: Surrendering to the Truth) - Saturday (The Passion Readings): John 19:17-42
(The Crucifixion and Burial: Surrendering to the Finished Work) - Sunday: John 20:1-18
(The Resurrection: Surrendering our grief to His joy) - Monday: John 20:19-31
(Thomas: Surrendering our doubt to His wounds) - Tuesday: John 21:1-14
(Breakfast by the Lake: Surrendering our “work” for His provision) - Wednesday: John 21:15-19
(Peter’s Restoration: Surrendering our shame to His grace) - Thursday: John 21:20-25 (Maundy Thursday)
(The Final Testimony: Surrendering our comparison to His call) - Friday: Reflection Day (Good Friday)
(Looking back: Where did I see God most clearly this Lent?) - Saturday (Final Day): The Silence
(Sit in silence for 10 minutes, honoring the “finished” work of Christ)
Family Friendly Conversation Starter
The “Heavy Stone” Reflection:
Find a large, heavy rock and place it in the center of your kitchen table or living room.
- The Discussion: Ask everyone to touch the rock and describe how it feels (cold, heavy, unmoving). Explain that on the first Good Friday, it felt like the story was over—like a heavy stone had been pulled over their hearts.
- The Big Idea: Sometimes we feel “stuck” or “heavy” with mistakes. But we don’t have to move the stone ourselves. Jesus did the heavy lifting.
- Easter Preview: On Saturday night, hide the rock and replace it with a white cloth or a candle to be found on Sunday morning!
The Week 6 Lenten Challenge(s)
Pick one a day for Holy Week to practice the “Final Surrender.”
- The “Debt” Fast: Think of someone you have been holding a grudge against. In your mind, say “It is finished.” Surrender your “right” to be angry and choose to forgive them as an act of worship.
- The Good Friday Silence: From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, turn off all media. Practice being “unproductive” and silent in honor of the hours Jesus hung on the cross.
- The “Breakfast” Grace: On Tuesday or Wednesday, eat breakfast in silence. As you eat, read John 21 and imagine Jesus cooking for you on the beach. Surrender the feeling that you have to “work” for God’s attention today.
The Goal: This week, let every “It is finished” moment—finishing a task, finishing a meal, or finishing the day—remind you of the completed grace of Christ.
Not Signed Up for Weekly Reminders? Once a week on Thursdays when it is posted, we will send a link (by text or email) that will take you to the guide for the week. To sign up to receive these weekly devotionals by text, simply text “lent26” to (571) 487-8557. To sign up to receive them by email, simply send an email with the subject line “Sign me Up for the Lenten Devotional” to info@haymarketchurch.org.