Sunday, February 6, 2022

R. C. H. Lenski on John 19:30

  

“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