On the cross, Jesus Christ cried out, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and died. What was finished? What did he mean? We don’t know the Hebrew words Jesus probably spoke on the cross, but the Apostle John was Spirit-motivated to record the phrase with the Greek word tetelestai. This is a special Greek word with a strong meaning.
- 5055 teleó
- 1. to bring to an end, complete, fulfill
2. to perform the last act required to complete a task–BibleHub, Blue Letter Bible
“I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished[G5055 telesthē]! (Luke 12:49-50; cf. What is Salvation Baptism?)
He took the twelve aside, and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed[G5055 telesthēsetai]. For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on. They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.” They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn’t understand the things that were said. (Luke 18:31-34 WEB; cf. Psalm 22)
After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled[G5055 tetelestai], said, “I am thirsty.” Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished[G5055 Tetelestai].” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30 WEB)
A few days later, Jesus Christ explained the prophecies to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This is a message I want to hear when I get to heaven.
He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27)
Because of Jesus Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross, we have the same power living in us to perform the work that he has given us to do.
By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect[G5055 teleitai] in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished[G5055 teteleka] the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Others have been commanded to perform tasks. God strengthened them to finish their work. He always equips the called to do the work he commands.
When they have finished[G5055 telesōsin] their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 11:7-10)
Even at the end of the age, in the midst of the great tribulation, when things look darkest and most out of control, God is still in charge and his word is still trustworthy.
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful.”
He said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, and will make her desolate, and will make her naked, and will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire. For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, and to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished[G5055 telesthēsontai]. The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:14-18)