Nov. 17
You Don’t Owe God
In the Greek New Testament it is only one word (tetelestai), but the word is packed with meaning. It was the last word uttered by Jesus from the cross. These are some of the ways secular writers used the word in and around the time of Jesus.
- One wrote of a task which was accomplished.
- Another, of a dangerous feat that was performed.
- A plan was put into effect.
- Someone’s will was carried out.
- A promise was fulfilled.
- Orders to a soldier were executed.
- An oath was made effective.
- A legal document was formally executed.
- A prayer was brought to pass.
- A given time period came to an end.
- A sickness reached its end.
- A debt was paid. (In fact, as the papyrus scraps of ancient legal documents were studied, the word “tetelestai” was repeatedly found at the top of receipts or bills of sale. It was the everyday way of saying “Paid in full.”
Each of these uses can be applied to what Jesus did on the cross. He obediently carried out His father’s will, putting into effect the plan of salvation. The time of the Old Testament reached its end, and the New Covenant became effective. Most of all, the legal debt we had incurred by our sins was paid in full. Take a pen and write the word “tetelestai” on the palm of your hand to remind yourself throughout the day that you are forgiven!
