Renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci was known for procrastinating! His most famous incomplete work was the “Adoration of the Magi,” which he was commissioned to complete in 30 months. But progress on his 7-foot-tall masterpiece stopped when Leonardo moved to Milan to pursue another offer. It remains unfinished to this day.

From our study of Scripture, we know that God always finishes His plans (Phil. 1:6). And as we come to the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth, we need to appreciate these final movements in the grand plan God set in motion before the foundation of the world. God decided He would redeem this fallen world through the death of Christ. What we witness at the crucifixion is the moment where this plan comes together.

After being betrayed and enduring hash treatment at the hands of the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, Jesus was crucified. This too was a part of God’s plan. The prophet Isaiah and others foretold that Israel would know a servant who would suffer on their behalf. He would bear their transgressions and iniquities (Isa. 53:5). Jesus did the will of the Father throughout His ministry, obedient to the point of death. “I have bought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4).

While on the cross Jesus was aware that the end was near. He gave up His life according to the will of God. His final words, “It is finished” (19:30), were a statement not of defeat but of victory. His work was complete. Sin was defeated. All that remained was victory. Three days later, the Father would raise Him from the dead, the first fruits of those who would believe in Him.