I had a conversation with my mother today about the season of Lent, more specifically the last words. She asked which is my favorite – I answered the seventh. In a surprised tone she asked why but in the same breath went on to tell me what her favorite is.

Why is a question I didn’t think I could  clearly answer so I sat down and wrote out my thoughts to see if I could explain.

The story, regardless of translation, walks us through the torment and torture of Jesus. It provides an indepth account of Mary’s anguish over her son being nailed to the cross. It teaches both the believer and non-believer alike life lessons.

The last word, my favorite, “It is Finished” was spoken prior to Jesus’ death. The words signaled the prophecy had been fulfilled and the story tells us following the word He hung His head and died.

In my untrained mind I turn to the hardships of my life for understanding and this is what I’ve come up with. From onset Jesus told people who He was and what His purpose among them was. Some downplayed His greatness, but He stood firm and continually forged ahead.  On His last day of life he stood before the masses knowing that He had done what he was called to do, His life had been lived according to its purpose and he knew that one day soon to come the naysayers would be forced to acknowledge Him.

So, here I am going through life in search of the approval of man – why? I do my best at most things but yet question if my best is good enough. My best is what it is and if the people don’t acknowledge it, so what!

My desire is to live a life of service unto others. I’m sure there will be plenty of mistakes along my way but I’ll be walking in my purpose.  That last word is my favorite because in the end, when all was said and done – the rock was removed and Jesus wasn’t in the tomb, just like he said.

Be of your word, be true to your word, believe in yourself, and let people witness your greatness.

So why is “It is finished” my favorite word? Well, forgiveness of my worst was packaged in the prophecy. Jesus said so, and I believe it to be true. I get up each day reminded of such and for me, that’s enough for me to simply be!