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

It is Holy week. The week beginning with Palm Sunday and charging through to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. A week that we spend in reflection and rejoicing for what our Savior did for us. 

I couldn’t think of a better word for this week other than, FINISHED.

As a writer, it’s no little task to reach the finish line of a manuscript and type the words, THE END. To meet a deadline. To complete the book. Sometimes it’s a grueling process. Sometimes there have been tears, sleepless nights, pain and agony. (okay, that might be a bit dramatic, but it definitely sometimes feels like that.) 

But that use of finish pales in comparison.

TETELESTAI

When Jesus spoke the word, Tetelestai (meaning: it is finished), he had completed the greatest work—the greatest sacrifice—for all time. It wasn’t simply a job or project finished that day or that week. For those certain people. For a particular era. NO.

It was finished for all time. For all who had lived. For all who were to come. 

To me, there are no greater words. Jesus finished it. He paid it all.

After my Dad moved on to Heaven last year, I remember quoting a verse from the second letter to Timothy. 

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

My pastor/teacher father was a great illustration of that, and I proudly posted those words in his honor. And they were a challenge to me personally.

These words from Paul are a charge to his beloved child in the faith, Timothy. To preach the Word and to carry on. They are a charge to us as well. 

You see, Jesus finished His work. He stamped our debt – Tetelestai – Paid In Full. As soon as He was done, He gave up His spirit to the Father. And then, because He was God Almighty, He defeated death and rose from the grave. 

But here’s the thing: we aren’t done. As long as we have breath, it is our calling to shine His light. To share the gospel. To run toward that blessed finish line. To “keep on keepin’ on” as my Dad always said.

LET PERSEVERANCE FINISH

Decades ago, I chose James 1:2-4 as my life verses. I’m going to quote them here in the NIV, because it’s the one I know the best. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

That last part is such a huge encouragement to me. One day, when I’ve let perseverance finish its work in me—that day I take my final breath—I know what I can look forward to. 

I will be mature and complete. I will have finished my race. I will lack nothing. And I will be in the presence of God forever. 

That, my friends, is a race worth running. No matter how difficult it may be. In our finite minds we think that our trials we face here on earth are difficult. But Jesus endured the utmost suffering for you and for me. Unlike you and me—He had done nothing wrong. Ever. 

But Scripture tells us that He did it “for the joy set before Him.” That joy? You and me. Washed white as snow, mature and complete in Him.

And once He had endured it all, He said: It. Is. Finished.

As we reflect on what He did for us this week, let’s not forget that we have a race to run. He is waiting at that finish line with open arms. For all who believe.

Let’s encourage each other, pick each other up when we stumble, and do whatever it takes to help our fellow runners to finish.

To God be the glory.

Until next time, I’ll be running beside you,

Kimberley