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John’s record has Jesus’ last words from the cross being “It is finished” (19:30). This is just one word in the original Greek — tetelestai. It is a powerful expression.
Notice how Jesus earlier used this same term.
- Jesus used the term in a future tense form in Luke 18:31. Jesus predicts his coming trial and crucifixion and says it “will be accomplished.”
- Later in Luke 22:37, Jesus uses this word again in the context of his upcoming death and burial and says that “what is written about me has its fulfillment.” The word “fulfillment” is translating the noun form of our term – telos. The NKJV translates the phrase as “for the things concerning me have an end.”
- Then in John 19:28, Jesus is said to know that all was now finished. This is our term again rendered “finished” in this verse. Jesus will then cry out this term in verse 30.
We see the burden of the task upon Christ. Christ’s baptism of suffering at the cross for our sins was something that “will be accomplished” (Luke 18:31), “has its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37), and is ultimately “finished” (John 19:30). Jesus chose to use the “perfect” tense of the Greek word. He could have used the “aorist” tense to indicate simple pass as in “the work is done.” But the “perfect” tense describes an action that has been fully completed and has ongoing consequences. Jesus fully completed his work and it has ongoing effects for all of humanity.
Jesus statement, “It is finished” is a victory cry. He has finished the task that caused him such great anxiety and stress in the garden of Gethsemane (Heb. 5:7-9, Mat. 26:26-36). He has endured the separation with the Father as the one “smitten by God” (Isa. 53:4, Mat. 27:46). His work of redeeming mankind is finished.
This term is also associated with paying debts. It is used when Peter is asked about Jesus paying the temple tax (Mat. 17:24). It was the term that merchants used to mark a bill paid. Like merchants today may use a rubber stamp that says “PAID,” so this would be the way the Greeks would stamp a bill. Jesus is saying with a loud voice for all to hear — your debt has been paid!
What marvelous grace and infinite mercy!!!! The debt is paid because Christ accomplished his mission.
“IT IS FINISHED!!” Praise God!!
