This lesson continues Mike’s series on The Last Words of Jesus
Finishing things we start…it’s not always so easy. It is not uncommon to get a project started, but never quite get around to finishing. But the mission of Jesus was to “do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work (John 4:34).” And Scripture says that he did, indeed, finish that work:
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
John 17:4 (NIV)
But, when Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished,” he had in mind much more than the idea that he was at the end of his life. Those words also meant that he had accomplished everything that God had asked; everything that God had purposed before the beginning of time.
“He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.”
1 Peter 1:20 (NIV)
In this lesson, Mike explores the meaning and importance of the Greek word teleo; a word that suggests both completion and perfection, through the importance of Jesus’ final words, and the “perfection” it created for His followers. “This is how love is made complete (teleos) among us… (1 John 4:17 NIV).”
“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:28-30