"Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, and so they soaked a sponge in it, and put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant and lifted it to Jesus's lips. When He had received the drink Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." (John 19)
The Greek word translated as 'it is finished' in our English Bibles is 'tetelestai,' a word of various usages.
On many ancient invoices (from the time of Christ) we find that word verifying that the bill had been 'Paid in full - no balance due.' Today we often pay a bill and our receipt is stamped "Paid in full." Same idea: The debt has been fully satisficed.
Other ancient documents (military) we have found show the word is also used to announce that the army has had victory! 'The war is over -- We have won!' A cry of rejoicing! 'Victory is ours!'
Also it can mean a task or assignment has been completed; we have records of servants reporting back to their masters that they had finished their assignment. 'Tetelestai' -- The job was complete!
Also, an artist, when finally completing their masterpiece, used the word to indicate their work was finished -- there was nothing more to be added. (Sort of like God pronouncing His creation 'Good'!)
Another use of the word relates to a prisoner who has finished his sentence. 'Tetelestai' on his certificate meant: 'no other penalty or punishment required.'
Tetelestai is the present tense, meaning the action was completed in the past, but the results continue into the present and into the future.
All of these meanings have significance for us!
Just look at what Jesus was telling us -- with His last breath!
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"It is finished," was His cry! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
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