“It is finished!” Τετέλεσται, exactly as in v. 28,
the perfect of a completed state, denotes an action brought to its termination,
it is like a line that ends in a point ——. Jesus speaks this word to his
Father. He makes his report to the Father who sent him. Uttered with a loud
voice, it is also intended for all men to hear. Recorded now in Scripture, it
still rings out to all the world. Since the whole passion and death of Jesus
were intended for us, why set up the contention that this conclusion is
intended only for him and not also for us? The verb has no subject. What is it
that is here brought to an end? Some think that Jesus has in mind his
suffering, which, of course, in a way is true and quite obvious. But this cry
cannot mean that Jesus is thinking only of himself and is glad that his pain
now ceases. Some think of the ancient prophecies and their fulfillment, which,
of course, in a way is also true (v. 28). This is better than the previous
view, yet it still is indefinite, and other prophecies are still unfulfilled,
namely the resurrection and the exaltation. Many are satisfied to say that
the work or task of Jesus is concluded, or even that no further duty holds
Jesus to life; this is equally indefinite. A word so important cannot be
explained by so general an interpretation. The death of Jesus finishes his
redemptive work, the work of reconciliation and atonement. This specific
work is now brought to a close. The Lamb of God has made his great
sacrifice for the world. It is this that is now done. Our great Substitute has
paid the great price of ransom, paid it to the uttermost farthing. “It is
finished” indeed! Others will yet preach and teach, and Jesus will work through
them; as the King on David’s throne his regal work will continue forever; but
the redemptive shedding of his blood, done once for all, is finished and stands
as finished forever. Heb. 7:27; 9:12 and 26; Rom. 6:10. (R.
C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Gospel [Minneapolis,
Minn.: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961], 1308-9, emphasis added)
Further Reading
Full Refutation of the Protestant Interpretation of John 19:30
