The three English words, it is finished, are the equivalent of a single Greek word, tetelestai. With ample justification this has been called the greatest single word ever uttered.
It was a farmer's word. When there was born into his herd an animal so shapely that it seemed destitute of defects, the farmer, gazing on the creature with delighted eyes exclaimed, Tetelestai!"
It was an artist's word. When the painter had put the finishing touches to the vivid landscape, he would stand back and admire his masterpiece. Seeing that nothing called for correction or improvement he would murmur, "Tetelestai."
It was a priestly word. When some devout worshiper overflowing with gratitude for mercies received brought to the Temple a lamb without blemish, the pride of the flock, the priest, more accustomed to seeing blind and defective animals led to the altar, would look admiringly at the pretty creature and say, "Tetelestai!"
And when in the fullness of time the Lamb of God offered Himself on the altar of the cross, a perfect, flawless sacrifice, He cried with a loud voice, "Teletesai!" and yielded up His spirit.
God had entrusted to His Son the most stupendous task of the ages--the redemption of a world of lost and enslaved men. What irrepressible joy must have surged through Him as He cried in triumph, "It is finished!" Every obstacle standing between man's fellowship with God was removed, every demand of His law satisfied. There was nothing to add--the redemption He had secured was perfect and complete. Henceforth the way to God was open to all men. Henceforth they would know Him as a God of love.
The joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2) was already in sight, and now He could gladly summon His servant, death, and dismiss His spirit.
Tetelestai!
