"it Is Finished"

Title: “It is Finished” Scripture: John 19:30/Jn. 20:1-9

Type: Easter Special Where: GNBC 4-18-22

Intro: At each of the services this week a man has preached on the various last seven statements of Christ from the Cross. Pastor Richard began last week with: Father forgive them…, “This day you shall be with me in Paradise”, and “Woman, behold thy son.” Joseph Arch preached Sunday pm on “My God, My God…”, and “I thirst.” Good Friday Pastor Zach preached on “Into Thy hands I commit My Spirit.” This Easter Sunday, 2022, I will preach on the final words of Christ from the cross: “It is finished.” In English, the final statement of Christ is a brief three words: “It is finished.” In the original language it is an even more abbreviated single word statement: “Tetelestai!” The word only occurs in John 19:28 in the New Testament. In 19:28 it is translated, “After this, when Jesus knew that all things were now completed, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, he said, ‘I thirst.’” Two verses later, he utters the word himself: “Then when he received the sour wine Jesus said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” The word tetelestai was also written on business documents or receipts in New Testament times to show indicating that a bill had been paid in full. Maybe you are paying off that engagement ring…several months to years, maybe that car note 48-60 mo, maybe that home 30 yrs., maybe those college loans…with your first Social Security check! 😊 Regardless, most all of us have had the experience of paying of a debt! Joy and relief. Well, in the Greek world of Jesus’ day, “Receipts are often introduced by the phrase [sic] tetelestai, usually written in an abbreviated manner...” The connection between receipts and what Christ accomplished would have been quite clear to John’s Greek-speaking readership; it would be unmistakable that Jesus Christ had died to pay for their sins. (Moulton& Milligan, p. 630)

Prop: Easter Sunday 2022, let’s examine the significance of this, the final statement of Christ: “It is finished”

I. With This Statement, Christ’s Earthly Ministry Was Finished.

A. With this Statement Christ’s Life and Ministry Came to a Shocking Conclusion.

1. As Christ uttered this Final Word: “It is Finished” His earthly ministry came to a shocking conclusion. Although Jesus lived into His mid-30’s, majority of what’s recorded takes place in the 3 yrs of His public ministry. Summarizing the life of history’s most dominant and unique figure is a challenge. The importance of Jesus is shown by the fact that his life is the dividing point in our calendar between the era before Christ and that which followed the life of our Lord. In those three years we see the central figure of history. We see the most beautiful life ever lived, the most gracious words ever spoken, the most loving individual who has ever lived! We see the most phenomenal activities ever recorded, miracles of every type and description. His life is still the most attractive and unique life ever lived and can still has the power to change our lives today. Yet, how could all of that culminate in a horrific beating, crown of thorns, crucifixion and death? What a shocking conclusion to such a beautiful life.

2. Illust: This past week Carol and I had the special treat of going back to my hometown to watch it’s community Easter Pageant. 100’s of people from the community have been coming together since 1937 to perform an unspoken presentation the life of Christ. Several hundred voice choir and orchestra. I had been a part of this in my childhood and teen years and had not viewed in nearly 40 years. At the end of the 75 minute drama I found myself choked up and tearing up. I am sure in part sentimentality. But on another level, watching a dramatic portrayal of Christ’s life & death and hearing the old basketball coliseum erupt into applause and cheers as out of the darkness Christ appears in a spotlight, Risen from the Dead! As I sat there, I contemplated how many of IC’s self-proclaimed intellectual elites would have looked down. Yet cheering is the right response!

B. Although this was an Abrupt Conclusion it was also a Deliberate Conclusion.

1. The Reader of the Gospel Account is Shocked at the Abrupt Conclusion.

a. Often we associate “abrupt” and “deliberate” as antonyms. When something happens abruptly it doesn’t seem to be deliberate. Or if something is deliberate it most likely does not seem to be abrupt.

b. Illust: About 20 yrs ago, after 8 yrs of work, I finished my 2nd Master’s degree. I had earned my BS in 3.5 years, 1st MA in 2.5 yrs., After few years in ministry decided need a bit more training. Kids, work, etc., took 8 yrs. Never forget the day I mailed (Notice!) my last paper for final class. Steve and Dorothy Long were at our house. I told Steve what was in the packet and he said: “How does it feel to be FINISHED?” I paused for a moment. It felt FANTASTIC! And like that, in one moment, it was all done! The last paper written. The last assignment checked off! It all seemed so abrupt, yet every moment had been a deliberate attempt to reach the goal of graduation.