The Unfinished Work of Jesus

The Unfinished Work of Jesus

Introduction (John 21:25):
Though Jesus accomplished redemption, Scripture shows His ongoing work. He sustains creation, abides with His people, intercedes before the Father, will judge all, and will shepherd the faithful forever.

The Finished Works of Jesus
Christ was the active agent in creation: “All things were made by him” (John 1:3). He left heaven’s riches (2 Corinthians 8:9), lived sinlessly, died, was buried, and rose again. His sacrifice is complete—“It is finished” (John 19:30). Nothing needs to be added to His atoning work.

The Unfinished Work in Creation
Jesus not only created; He sustains. He “upholds all things by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). “By him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). Seasons, cycles, and order continue under His ongoing care (Genesis 8:22). Our stability rests on His present, powerful word.

The Unfinished Work in the Spiritual Realm

1. His Presence With Us
   The risen Lord promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Like Paul, we can say, “The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17).

2. His Intercession for Us
   Jesus “ever liveth to make intercession” for those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). As our one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and our sympathetic High Priest, “tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), He bids us come confidently for mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16). As we “walk in the light,” His blood keeps cleansing us (1 John 1:7).

3. His Judgment of All
   “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). For the faithful, that day is vindication and reward; for the rebellious, righteous condemnation.

4. His Eternal Shepherding
   Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He will also be our eternal Shepherd: “The Lamb… shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears” (Revelation 7:17). Psalm 23 reaches its fullest reality in His presence forever.

The Unfinished Work of Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: John 21:25—Christ’s mighty works continue.

• I. The Finished Works of Jesus

  • Creation completed (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3).

  • Redemption completed (John 19:30; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

• II. The Unfinished Work in Creation

  • Ongoing sustenance of the universe (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17).

  • Promise of ordered seasons (Genesis 8:22).

• III. The Unfinished Work in the Spiritual Realm

  • A. Presence: With His church always (Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:17).

  • B. Intercession: Living Mediator and High Priest (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15–16; 1 John 1:7).

  • C. Judgment: Appointed Judge of all (John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

  • D. Eternal Shepherding: Care now and forever (John 10:11; Revelation 7:16–17; Psalm 23).

• Conclusion: Christ’s finished work secures salvation; His unfinished work sustains, guides, defends, judges righteously, and shepherds eternally.

Call to Action:
Respond to the Savior who is working even now. If you have not obeyed the gospel, believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized as Scripture teaches. If you are a Christian who has strayed, return while He intercedes and strengthens. Stand firm, abound in the Lord’s work, and walk in the light.

Key Takeaways:

• The atoning work is complete (John 19:30).

• Christ sustains creation continually (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17).

• He is always with His people (Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:17).

• He intercedes as Mediator and High Priest (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15–16).

• He will judge all in righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:10; John 5:22).

• He will shepherd the faithful forever (Revelation 7:16–17; Psalm 23; John 10:11).

Scripture Reference List:
John 21:25 – The works of Jesus beyond number
John 1:3; Genesis 1:1 – Christ as Creator
2 Corinthians 8:9 – His sacrifice leaving heaven
John 19:30 – “It is finished”
Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17 – Sustaining all things
Genesis 8:22 – Earth’s continuance guaranteed
Matthew 28:20 – Promise of His presence
2 Timothy 4:17 – The Lord stood with Paul
Hebrews 7:25 – Christ intercedes for us
1 Timothy 2:5 – One Mediator
Hebrews 4:15–16 – High Priest who understands
1 John 1:7 – Cleansing through His blood
John 5:22 – Judgment given to Christ
2 Corinthians 5:10 – All appear before His judgment seat
John 10:11 – The Good Shepherd
Revelation 7:16–17 – The eternal Shepherd
Psalm 23 – The Lord as our Shepherd

Prepared by Robert Moss