Paid In Full

John 19:28-30

28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

During the season of Lent, preachers will sometimes preach a sermon series on the “Seven Last Words of Christ,” the words that Jesus spoke from the cross.  Three of those seven last words are found in the gospel according to John:  “Woman, behold your son; behold your mother,” as was mentioned previously, and then, “I am thirsty,” and “It is finished,” as found in this passage.  In these three verses, Jesus is still somewhat in control of the situation.  Jesus says, “I am thirsty,” which initiates someone soaking the sponge with sour wine for him.  In the other gospels, he is offered the sour wine without saying anything.  Jesus then says his final words, “It is finished.”  After this we are told that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  Jesus gave.  No one took it from him; he gave up his spirit, he gave his life.  To the very end, John’s description of Jesus and the work he accomplished is calculated and methodical.

Most striking is the Greek word that is translated, “It is finished.”  As we read and hear it in English, we might think Jesus has resigned that he is dying and accepts his death.  The Greek word, however, is “Tetelestai,” and is a transactional word meaning “paid in full.”  At the time of Jesus, someone conducting a business transaction would stamp a receipt with the word “tetelestai,” that is, “paid in full,” meaning the transaction has been completed.  But wait, there’s more!  The grammar also suggests the perfect tense meaning that the action continues to be at work, or in other words, “it is finished and will continue to be finished.”  Jesus is not speaking about his life being over, but rather, he is, with a victory cry, announcing that the work of salvation that he has come to accomplish has been and will continue to be done.

All that is being proclaimed as Jesus died on the cross.  Perhaps these words can give us hope when times are uncertain and challenging at best.  Jesus has won the victory of our salvation, and that is no small thing.  It is the foundation upon which we can stand and continue to persevere through whatever life holds for us.  Though we may face different trials and tribulations, may we be encouraged that we are part of a community of faith that moves forward together, and may we be empowered by the hope that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord, who died on the cross in order to bring salvation to the world.  Thanks be to God, Amen!