Real love starts with God, not us.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. —1 John 4:9-10

“It is finished.”

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. —John 19:28-30

Sin causes a disconnect with God.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:5-6

What is finished? The sacrifice for sins.

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” —John 1:29

It was finished—but it wasn’t over.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” ⁸ Then they remembered his words. —Luke 24:5b-8

If Christ rose from the dead, he can raise you up.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

The word love can be used in a lot of different ways—we love ice cream, our job, or our favorite sports team. Real love, however, is demonstrated in God’s love towards us. God loved us so much that He came to us. He sent his Son, Jesus, into the world to live among us and to pay the penalty for our sin by dying on a cross in our place. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished,” completing the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. But, that was not the end. God raised Jesus from the dead, so that we, too, can be raised with Him and experience new life, too.

1 John 4:9-10; John 19:28-30; John 1:29; Isaiah 53:3-6; Luke 24:1-8

Discussion questions:

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
• Do you have questions about the Christian faith? Try Alpha. You can find more information on the Grace Honolulu app.
• Read 1 John 4:9-10. Pastor Gregg mentioned that real love is demonstrated through our actions. How does that reshape your perspective on real love?
• Read John 19:28-30. If you had to explain “It is finished” to a friend who doesn’t know Jesus, how would you describe it in your own words?
• What does it look like to transfer the weight of your trust from what you do to what Jesus did for you when He died on the cross? Have you done that yet?
• What burdens are you carrying right now that Jesus already finished on the cross? What would it look like to release them to Him?
• Read Luke 24:1-8. How has the risen Jesus changed your life? Do you see your changed life as a miracle? How might God want to use your story to show and share God’s love with others?

Take a Step

• When you feel afraid, anxious, out of control, or like you’re losing hope, remember the risen Christ and take a step to surrender control of your life to Him. Put your hope in God and His faithfulness to do what He alone can do.

Here’s My Prayer
Jesus, thank You for finishing what I never could and for loving me even when I didn’t love You first. Help me trust that Your work on the cross is enough—for my past, my present, and my future. Teach me to live in the freedom and peace of Your finished work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.