TETELESTAI - It Is Finished!

Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."
Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."So this is what the soldiers did.

John 19:20-24

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the 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

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

Why do we celebrate Good Friday why is it called Good Friday? It's the day we remember the sacrifice that God poured out, by sacrificing His one and only Son, our blessed savior Jesus. Jesus took upon himself our sins so that we may have a relationship with our Great and Loving God. Jesus cried out Tetelestai (Greek for It is finished). Jesus finished the work that God sent Him to do here to be the ultimate sacrifice.

"The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." John 1:29

Yes Jesus died a hideous and cruel earthly death, but the story doesn't end there.

Some may see this as a day of mourning, but it's really a day a hope and redemption, and a reminder of what we would suffer if we don't believe in Jesus as the Messiah. It's the day we as followers of Jesus look on and fall to our knees speechless by what God has done because of His great mercy, love, and kindness for the ones He created. For that reason we celebrate. Don't forget the story doesn't end here Sunday's Coming.

My Most Heavenly Father, there are no words that I can use to express the way you've changed my life. I did nothing to deserve your love or the forgiveness you gave, in fact I did everything that would cause you sorrow, I've been shameful and prideful, selfish and cruel, and I ran from you for so so long. But you never left me you pursued me and protected me even when I wasn't willing to see it. You waited for me ever so patiently, quietly hinting and revealing yourself to me until I at long last my eyes and heart were opened to you. I love you my Father, my Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer. Amen.

Carol

Painting by Thomas Blackshear 11