Tetelastai! Jesus paid it all.

The death of Jesus Is the single act that ultimately took away the sins of humanity. On the day Jesus was crucified, the sinless man was condemned to death by the people He came to save. Pilate knowing that Jesus had been handed to him for selfish reasons made a historic offer to the crowd. “At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him” (Matthew 27:16‭-‬17). The people chose Jesus Barabbas the criminal over Jesus the Messiah.

The guiltless son of God was sentenced to death and this act fulfilled God’s prophetic redemptive plan. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4‭-‬6). Jesus Barabbas represents our sinful state; we were condemned to death. But, Jesus Christ the Messiah took our place and the guilty Barabbas was set free. Imagine Barabbas walking on the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming his freedom… Jesus took the place of the sinner so the condemned person will have the place of the sinless place of Jesus.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

Death was the ultimate goal of the punishment meted on Jesus. While he hanged on the cross, He requested for a drink. “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30). The Greek word used is Tetelestai meaning “it is completed” and John reports this as the last word of Jesus on the cross. The words of a dying man are powerful but the words of the man who died and rose again to redeem us from sin and death is LIFE. Jesus paid our ransom. The sin committed in Eden was completely paid for in Golgotha. The blood of animals could not blot out our sins. The blood of the Son of God completed our ransom. As Isaiah prophesied, Jesus took our pain and iniquities and He was punished for our freedom. Today, as we celebrate Easter, let us know that the price has been paid in full and we need to accept this payment by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:8‭-‬9).

The denial!

Have you ever been denied by someone you expected to stand up for you? To be denied by a loved one is very hurtful and this can affect the relationship in the long term. However certain circumstances can cause people to deny you. I pray that we will never face denial from those we love. If you have ever been denied, know that you are not alone. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied being the disciple of Jesus. Prior to the arrest of Jesus, Peter had told Jesus that, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37). At Gethsemane, Peter demonstrated his zeal by cutting the ear of one the servants of the high priest who came to arrest Jesus. But, Peter denied the Lord three times.

“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” (John 18:17)

What made Peter deny the Lord? Peter indeed loved the Lord but at the time of the arrest, Peter like the rest of the disciples were filled with fear. He followed the soldiers to the courtyard of the high priest and joined the servants and the officials to warm themselves while his master faced trial. On three occasions, on the same night, Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus. At the third denial the rooster began to crow reminding Peter of Jesus’s words, Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:38).

What did Peter do after denying the Lord? “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75). Peter showed remorse for his actions. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter was reinstated by the Lord and Peter was forgiven. On three occasions, the Lord Jesus asked Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know that I love you” (John 21:15). Of course the Lord knew Peter loved him but the Lord reminded Peter of his assignments; “Feed my lambs”, “Take care of my sheep”, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). After the arrival of the Holy Spirit, this same Peter who was afraid of a servant girl, stood boldly and declared the gospel of Jesus until his death.

Peter did not wallow in the denial state, he repented of his actions and after the Holy Spirit had been given, Peter became a pillar that led the new church and till date, we are all part of this church. This story reminds us that, when we fall down, we should do everything possible to get up. As long as we stay down, we shall remain in the pit. But, when we repent and confess, we are forgiven and we are able to do exploits for the Lord.

The betrayer!

One person in the Bible whose action has made him unpopular is Judas Iscariot. He was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. It is amazing that Judas Iscariot was one of those who were prayerfully chosen to be part of the twelve. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot. The betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6).

And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” (Matthew 26:21)

However, Judas is also known for the following:
*A thief (John 12:3-6)
*He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6)
*He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10)
*He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16)
*His lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27)

Jesus was aware that one of the twelve was a devil (John 6:70-71) and yet Jesus did not drive him out of the twelve until God’s word was fulfilled. Certainly, the character of Judas Iscariot is not worth emulating. However, we learn important lessons from his lifestyle. The fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6).

Our character must conform to Christ each day if not, we will be Christians who are ready to betray and crucify Jesus all over again (Hebrew 6:6). Judas experienced the love and compassion of Jesus towards the poor but he still betrayed him. At the end of his life, Judas committed suicide and the Apostles replaced him with another (Acts 1:25). He lost his position to be a foundation of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4).

Prayer: Dear God, remind me daily to work on my character so that I will experience all your good promises in Jesus name. Amen.

Christlikeness: Becoming like Christ in His death

One of the distinguishing features between Christianity and other religions is the fact that we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus’ sacrificial death atoned for our sins and brought us into a new relationship with God. The fallen state of mankind gained in Eden was restored by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When anyone comes to Christ, that person is a new creation and the old has passed away and the new has come (paraphrased 2 Cor. 5:17). This new creation is dead to the old self. Our baptism is symbolic of this new life.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
(Philippians 3:10)

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Rom. 6:4). Therefore, the Christian is dead to the old sinful nature and alive to the new man which is being transformed daily into the image of Christ. Christlikeness involves knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection and participating in His suffering and becoming like Him in His death. The resurrection is our hope, knowing that this earthly body which will one day be overcome by death does not end our existence but is a transition into our eternal home.

With this in mind, we daily strive to reflect Christ even in our sufferings. The persecution, the hate, the ridicule, the pain of being rejected for our faith should not separate us from the love of God and from attaining the goal. Christ was glorified after His death. We might not be hanged on the cross because of our faith (thanks be to God for the liberty to worship in most parts of the West), but we should have the mindset that nothing should separate us from this relationship we have with Christ. Paul reiterates this in Romans 8:35 that nothing should separate us from the love of Christ.

Each day as we strive to be like Christ, we should also know that following our Lord comes at a cost and this may be difficult to bear. However, Jesus has already won the battle for us and we need to confidently face the devil as victors. We should know our stand that we have already been crucified with Christ. We no longer live but Christ lives in us and this is our hope.

It is finished!

The last words of a dying man are always considered important. However, the last words of the man who died and rose again for the redemption of mankind is much more significant. When Jesus knew that His task had been successfully completed, and scripture had been fulfilled, He said, “Tetelestai”. The Greek word Tetelestai means it is finished and the root verb “teleo” means to accomplish, to complete, to bring to an end. Jesus’ death was the exact reason for which He came down to the earth. The Lamb of God did not come to condemn the world but to save the world through His death and resurrection.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.(John 19:30)

The last words of Jesus are very significant for our faith and ultimately our hope of salvation. The completion of the task for which He came on Earth meant mankind was reconciled back to God. As many as believe in Jesus are transformed from sons of man (Adam) to sons of God (the new creation). As the song writer wrote, “It is finished, He has done it. Let your weary hearts rejoice. Our redemption is accomplished. Raise a shout with ragged voice. And go bravely into battle, Knowing he has won the war. It is finished, lift your head and weep no more” (Dustin Kensrue).

If Jesus said Tetelestai, then it is truly finished. We have been rescued from the power of darkness to the magnificent light. However, there are some who still peddle between the light and darkness. Jesus said no man can serve two masters (light and darkness). You are either with the light or the darkness. There is no middle point. As we sail through our moment of Tetelestai, take time and reflect on your life. Has the finished work of Christ been revealed in your life? Do you still struggle to accept your salvation? Are the powers of darkness pushing evil baggage on you?
Guess what? Only Jesus has the answers. Go before Him in prayer and He will save you.

Let ponder over this song:
There’s no sacrifice to offer
There’s no penance to complete
Freely drink of living water
Without money come and feast
Let every sinner rejoice
Hear the dying victor’s cry
Raise up your voice
Sing it out through earth and sky (Dustin Kensrue)