TETELESTAI; THE PERFECT COMPLETION

REFLECTION FOR GOOD FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF HE LORD

Rev. Fr. Ezekoka Peter Onyekachi

Our Saviour has slept. Having passed 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.

What does the saviour mean by tetelestai?

What was indeed finished?

For whom was it 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 various usages of the 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 read the Gospel understood quickly the message the Evangelist tried to pass on concerning the death of the Saviour. So, tetelestai was part of the everyday language of the people.

a) 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 this context, the sacrifice was declared complete and perfect. Thus, tetelestai implies perfection.

b) It is a word that demonstrates satisfaction over an artistic work. Whenever an artist finished his sculptural design, he would admire it and would say tetelestai. In this context, there is nothing extra to be added to the design. It has reached its completion. Thus, tetelestai implies that aesthetic perfection which requires no addition.

c) It is used to express final conclusion over a job or work. When a servant or a hired labourer had completed his assigned job, 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. Thus, tetelestai implies that final victory over all difficulties. 

d) 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. Thus, tetelestai implies total payment and freedom of possession.

1. And so, tetelestai had deep meanings when Jesus said them. That word was pregnant with many meanings. We could imagine Jesus as he told himself and all of us: my sacrificial death on the cross has been accepted by my Father in heaven. There is no need for further sacrifice. I have done my salvific work perfectly that there is nothing more needed to be added. I have overcome every obstacle/difficulty to the very best of my ability that there is no more difficulty to be afraid of. I have paid the full price for your sake that you are no longer in any debt; and now I could give up my ghost being very satisfied that you have been made free and righteous; indeed, it is finished. I owe no one any debt. I have paid the debt in full. He paid the debt I could not pay, I owe the debt I could not pay, I need 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. It is finished; it has been perfectly completed.

2. 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. The consequence of this reconciliation with God is that the relationship that was destroyed in Adam has now been restored. We are no longer slaves to 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. No wonder it is called a Good Friday.

3. 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. Humanity 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 I sacrificed for that person close to me? What have I given up for the sake of others? What have I nailed to the wood for the sake of peace in my home? What have I done to help relief the pains of the other person? Do I work hard to finish the work I am given for the sake of my society, church or family? To what extent do I seek for true goodness and spiritual perfection? We hope to truly say like Jesus that it has been perfectly done; it is finished. Be you perfect as your heavenly Father is (Matt 5:48). The search for perfection is good and when we aim for perfection, we come to the discovery that it is a moving target. Jesus has done all things well. He is now on his way to liberate the dead who have been imprisoned by death, after which he will rise again in glory. Perfect completion leads to glory. The Easter hope begins.  We thank God for his goodness on us as we congratulate ourselves for being part of those who have been saved. God bless you.