The Finished Work

The Raising of the Cross, by James Tissot, circa 1890.

The Finished Work

Knowing all was finished

the thirsty savior

hanging from the tree

from nailed angle bones

and spiked wrists,

his side pierced,

and his crown thorns,

forgave the crowd’s scorn

suffering agony and death

for all to be reborn.

©️April 7, 2023, Robbie Pruitt

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, ESV).

“Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’ A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28-30, ESV).

A Collect for Good Friday: “Almighty God, we beseech you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the Cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).

The Raising of the Cross, by James Tissot, circa 1890.