"It is finished"

Famous words muttered by Jesus on the cross as documented in the gospel of John.  A few weeks ago, as I was meditating on the gospel of John,it occurred to me that the last words spoken by Jesus was immediately following the last and final physical act from mankind.

That last act... was the soldier offering sour wine (vinegar) to Jesus when Jesus said, "I am thirsty."

Was this last act an act of defiance and humiliation? Or was it actually a sign of humility and thoughtfulness?

As a kid... I've always thought this was further torture of Jesus.  The man is dying! Suffocating! Bleeding to death!  All he wants is some water and the soldier doesn't even have the decency to offer him a drink??  But wait.... maybe the soldier did it on purpose!

For the first time, I thought (overthought) that maybe the soldier was HELPING Jesus.  Seeing him suffer already... the soldier thought that giving him water, will only quench his thirst, prolong his life for a bit longer... and have him suffer more.  By giving him vinegar... it meant that Jesus can hurry up and die and end his suffering.

"It is finished" takes on a new meaning.  This is Jesus, the moment before he dies, knowing that the last and final act from mankind is an act of kindness and worship!  So Jesus can die in peace... knowing that there is hope in mankind.  Hence the words.  His job is done.  Reconciliation can begin... and all that he's done in his 3 years of ministry leading to this moment... it was all worth it.

Way to go, Soldier!!!