Devotion - It Is Finished!

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

When you look up this phrase in Greek, you discover that "It is finished!" is actually not a phrase at all, but just one word, "TETELESTAI". I can't think of a more important word that was uttered in all of mankind. With just that one word, Jesus provided all of humanity with the opportunity to find atonement for their sins and an eternity in heaven with Jesus himself and God his Father. 

For generations God had promised his people a Messiah, a Savior, a promised One who offered hope for the future of all who believed in him. 

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nations and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest; as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
5 

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Jesus knew the weight of the world was literally on his shoulders. He knew He was chosen to bear our sins as the one and only perfect sacrifice. He knew he'd be beaten, tortured, and put to death for everything you and I had ever done wrong, yet he chose to love us above all else, and with one word, "TETELESTAI", it was finished. Love had won. 

In Old Testament times, "TETELESTAI" was stamped on bills and receipts to indicate that they had been paid in full. Jesus' love paid the full price for your sins, so that you could spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

Reflection: Have you let love win in your life on this Good Friday? Have you given your life (the good, the bad, & the ugly) to Jesus, the promised Messiah, and allowed His love to wash you clean? Has your debt been "paid in full"? Take some time today to thank Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross for you. Invite him to live in your life and to not only wash your sins clean, but to also share in your joys and triumphs.