When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
- John 19:30
Last words are important. None are more important than the one word Jesus spoke right before he died— “Tetelestai.”
“Tetelestai” literally means “it is finished.”
With His death, Jesus finished something. What is He finishing? First, Jesus is finishing the task for which He came into the world. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Jesus is finishing the work of fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a Savior who would die for our sins.
Jesus is the seed of the woman who is now crushing the head of the serpent (Genesis 3: 15).
Jesus is the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
Jesus’ “heart is like wax— it is melted. His strength is dried up like a potsherd, and His tongue cleaves to my jaws; He has been laid in the dust of death (Psalm 22:12-18).”
Jesus is finishing the work of fulfilling the many Old Testament types of His sacrifice.
Jesus is finishing the Passover Lamb's work in Egypt, whose blood would protect them from the Angel of Death.
Jesus is finishing the work of the two goats of the Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, ritual. Jesus is the sacrificial goat who was slain for sinners. He is the scapegoat who carried away the sins of the people.
Most importantly, Jesus is finishing the work of purchasing our salvation.
- With His death, Jesus purchases our peace – no more enmity with God.
- With His death, Jesus purchases our pardon – no more guilty stains.
- With His death, Jesus purchases our paternity – no longer spiritual orphans; now we are children of God.
All of this, Jesus finished when He breathed His last. What an incredible moment when Jesus says, “Tetelestai!”
Last words are very important.
But there is one more interesting nuance about the word “tetelestai.”
Grammatically, Jesus is speaking in the perfect tense. “Tetelestai” in the Greek carries the nuance of completed action with continuing results!
His job is done. Prophecy is fulfilled. Salvation is purchased. His work is complete, “It is finished.” And yet, He lives today, bringing the results of His work to you.
Pardon is yours.
Peace is yours.
Adoption is yours.
A continual result stemming from a finished work. Turns out, “tetelestai” isn't the last word after all.
Your prayer this morning, “God, it is finished. On the cross, you put away my sin and shame. Thank you Lord.”
Press on,
Pastor Harp
Sit with these words for a moment—“It is finished.” Nothing more needs to be added, nothing more needs to be earned. As you enter this time of journaling, reflect on what it means to live from a place of completion rather than striving.
Journal & Reflect
• What does “It is finished” mean to you personally?
• Are there areas in your life where you feel the need to strive or prove yourself?
• How does Jesus’ finished work change the way you see your identity?
• What burdens can you release, knowing the work has already been completed?
• Write a prayer of surrender and gratitude for what Christ has done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jesus mean by “It is finished”?
He was declaring that His work of redemption was complete—sin was paid for, and the way to God was fully opened.
Why is this moment so significant?
It marks the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
How does this apply to my life today?
It means you don’t have to earn God’s love or forgiveness—Jesus has already done the work.
How should I respond to this truth?
With gratitude, faith, and a life that reflects trust in what Jesus has accomplished.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Help me to fully grasp the depth of His sacrifice and to live in the freedom it brings. When I am tempted to strive or carry burdens on my own, remind me that it is already finished. Fill my heart with gratitude and peace as I rest in Your grace. Amen.
We hope you are enjoying our extended devotionals. Our goal is to move Scripture from something read to something experienced. We pray these devotionals are a bridge into conversation with God.
With Love, Kara Heckel
