For a number of lessons prior to this one, we have been looking at the apparent "tragedy" of Calvary, but, with this lesson, we turn to the reality of the situation: it was a victorious triumph! To the unbelieving world, it seems as though Jesus of Nazareth was the victim of a cruel, but unplanned (by Him) crucifixion. The truth is so very different. Jesus (the Saviour promised the world since Genesis 3:15) was both the Designer and Orchestrater of the entire out-working of events and circumstances that led to Calvary! Everything that took place before, during, and after Calvary was accomplished in absolute accordance with and submission to His Father's will - for His glory and for mankind's good. It was also all prophesied by God, through multiple Old Testament prophets, and was fulfilled to every tiny detail. Calvary was anything but unplanned!
Learn all about the Victor's declaration, "It is Finished!" He did not say, "I am finished," for the fact is it was just the beginning of many new things for Him and for those who put their faith in Him! "Tetelestai" (the Greek word for "It is finished") was not the tragic cry of a victim at all. It was the triumphant shout of a Victor!!! It was the declarative statement of the Eternal Son of God to the entire universe that the redemptive work He came to do on earth for man was accomplished! This means there is not a thing you or I can DO to "help" Jesus "get us saved". The only thing needful is for a person to rest, by faith, in the completed, accomplished, totally performed and "done deal" work of Christ. IT IS FINISHED! Alleluia; Amen!
The entire Gospel of Christ is essentially wrapped up in that one powerful Greek word, "Tetelestai," my favorite word in the Bible, other than the name above every name, Jesus!
This lesson (with Homework Questions) is found in written form in "The Caldwell Commentary" series "Life of Christ Vol. 8 (available through www.scripturetruth.com).
New Zealand