Words About the Word - Brad McBee - First Christian Church
Later, knowing that all was now completed (tele), and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled (teleio), Jesus said, “I am thirsty” ... When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished (tele).” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. -John 19:28, 30 (NIV)
These three words completed, fulfilled, finished, all derive from the same Greek root, telos, which means; end, completed, finished, accomplished, cancelled.
Over the last couple of centuries scholars have found thousands of papyrus scraps with Greek writing on them. Many of these are mundane commercial documents in which we find this word, tele. They are receipts that indicate the bill had been paid in full. The obligation has been completed. The debt was paid off. Tele is written on each one.
Jesus’ goal was to save sinners and He had done that. He had payed the debt in full. “It is finished!” The victory shout of Jesus echoed across Calvary and to the world beyond. It is a cry of accomplishment, but it is also an announcement of obedience fulfilled. “It is finished” announces the full obedience of the One who, though equal with God was obedient to the end.
As Paul wrote,
“He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” -Philippians 2:7-11 (NIV)
Jesus had faithfully accomplished all the Father had asked of him. “It is finished” three little words that speak so much. This is not the concession of a defeated man. This is not the registration of a doomed man. This is not the relief of a dying man. This is the victor’s triumphant shout. But this is about more than the end of His journey. It is about the completion of His mission.
In Matthew’s Gospel the angel told Joseph concerning Mary,
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
Jesus was born to die. The accomplishment of His death was the main purpose of His life. -The wages of sin, death, was finished for all those who are in the Lord!
So, what sin is keeping you from God??? Let me give you the right answer in four words: IT DOES NOT MATTER. When you trust the blood and righteousness of Christ, tele is stamped over every sin in your life.
Abortion. Paid in full!
Adultery. Paid in full!
Bribery. Paid it full!
Disobedience. Paid in full!
Divorce. Paid in full!
Embezzlement. Paid in full!
Homosexuality. Paid in full!
Murder. Paid in full!
Pride. Paid in full!
Slothfulness. Paid in full!
Thief. Paid in full!
Un-compassion. Paid in full!
If I left you sin out, add it to the list. Then write tele across it. It is paid in full by the finished work of Christ. You see, the cross is like a big X stamped over our sins, marking them paid in full. Tele it is paid in full by the only One who ever could and did, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Peace, Blessings, and Love,
Pastor Brad McBee
First Christian Church
