TETELESTAI: THE PERFECT COMPLETION

REFLECTION FOR GOOD FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF HE LORD

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

Our Saviour has slept. Having journeyed through the way of the cross, and having being nailed on the wood of the cross, the Christ uttered his last word, it is finished (John 19:30). These words when rendered in the Greek language is just one word; tetelestai. After this one word, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Why is this word the last that the Saviour said? What is it that is finished? For whom has it been finished? These three questions form the three pillars of our reflection on this very important day in the history of our salvation.

To answer the first question, we must understand the context of the usage of the famous word, tetelestai. The expression was well known to the people John the Evangelist wrote for. He wrote in the Greek language and employed the Greek mentality in his writing. So, every Greek at the time who reads the Gospel understood quickly the message the Evangelist tries to pass on concerning the death of the Saviour. So, tetelestai was part of the everyday language of the people.

1) It was well known in temple sacrifice. It was always the case that after the scrutiny of the offering brought by the people to the temple by the High Priest, the words he used to confirm the authenticity of the offering reflects the Greek tetelestai. These words which are spoken in Hebrew are ‘The Lord accepts your offering; it is perfect’. In the context, the sacrifice is complete and perfect.

2) It is a word that demonstrates satisfaction over an artistic work. Whenever an artist finished his sculptural design, he would admire it in admiration and would say tetelestai. In this context, there is nothing extra to be added to the design. It has reached its completion.

3) It is used to express final conclusion over a job or work. When a servant or a hired labourer had completed his job he was told to do, he would say to his hirer or master, tetelestai. In this context, the servant tries to say that all the difficulties concerning the job have been overcome. The job has been done to the very best of his ability; therefore it is finished.

4) The word was well known in economic affairs. When the merchant at the market place makes some sales and gets paid for them, the words that accompany such experience are tetelestai. In this context, the deal is finished. The price has been paid in full; therefore he is satisfied.

And so, these words have deep meanings when Jesus said them. The implications deduced are as follows: The sacrifice of Himself upon the cross has been accepted by His Father in heaven. There is no need for further sacrifice. Having seen the work he was able to accomplish on earth, he was sure that there was nothing needed more to be added to the type of faith he has designed on earth. Having passed through all those difficulties and sufferings, Jesus was sure that he has done to the very best of his ability all that the Father willed that he did. Jesus has paid the full price for us; and so He dies very satisfied that it is finished. He owes no one any debt. He has paid the debt in full. We sing together: He paid the debt I could not pay, I owe the debt I could not pay, I need a someone to wash my sins away. My eyes have seen a bright new day, amazing grace. Lord Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay. These words ‘it is finished’ hence denotes perfect completion.

To answer the Second question, we need to throw our minds back to the divine plan for mankind. God desires that man live with him eternally after our earthly life. One word that summarizes this is reconciliation. Paul said in his letter to the Philipians (2:10): he has reconciled all things in Christ; things in heaven and things on earth. His purpose was to reconcile us with the Father that we may now be worthy to behold God’s face again, and God on His own part will be ready to welcome us. Reconciliation is the deal that has been done. What is reconciliation? This is the restoration of an impaired relationship. So, if we have been reconciled with God, the relationship that was destroyed in Adam has now been restored. We are no longer slaves to this sin but have become heirs to the kingdom. This task of reconciliation has now been finished. Salvation is achieved; it is finished. Nothing needs to be done. He has done all things well. This is therefore a good day for all humanity. Thus, this Friday is a good one.

The answer to the third question is derived from the second answer. Salvation is for man. It is finished that man may not be finished. He died that we may not die. He gave up his spirit that our spirit may be enlivened and saved. Humankind must therefore be so grateful for this redemption which is the highest show of love ever known in history. Consequentially then, we are celebrating the gift of love which is the background and the fruit of reconciliation. We must reciprocate this same gesture towards God. We must love the Lord with all our hearts, soul and strength, and must love our neighbours.

What have you sacrificed for that person close to you? What have you given up to enrich the one that has not? What have you nailed to the wood for the sake of peace in your home? What have you done to help relief the pains of the other person? Have you worked so hard to finish the work you have been given for the sake of the community in which you live; or do you do a half-hazard work and still claims that you have finished? We have many unfinished roads, incomplete Government buildings and projects, the debts we owe to people that we have decided not to pay. In the proper examination of ourselves under the optics of these questions, can we truly say the words of Jesus that it is finished? Be you perfect as your heavenly Father is (Mtt 5:48). We must seek perfection in whatever we do. Can a leader at the end of his/her tenure be it in the Church or State rightly say that it is finished? Oh Yes, I have finished. God bless you as we eagerly wait to rise with the sleeping Jesus few hours from now. Amen.