THE WEEK THAT SHOOK HISTORY: A 7-Day Easter Devotion by AussieDave AdamsonSample

Good Friday - Here's a New Insight Into Jesus' Death

The final word Jesus spoke changed everything.

One word reveals the full impact of the cross—and it's so much deeper than most of us realize.

In John's Gospel, Jesus' final declaration is recorded as "tetelestai" in Greek, which we translate as "It is finished." In Hebrew, this would be the word "nishlam", (נשלם pronounced "nish-larm"), which carries far deeper meaning than our English translation captures.

Many scholars suggest the word was commonly used in contexts such as financial transactions, potentially referring to a debt that had been satisfied. This could mean Jesus was declaring that our debt to God was paid in full! Amen!

And, "nishlam" shares its root with the Hebrew word "shalom"—which encompasses wholeness and completeness. When Jesus declared "It is finished," he was announcing that your debt has been fully paid, your separation from God is over, and your restoration is assured.

The worst thing that ever happened became the best thing that ever happened. Your darkest Friday can become your greatest good.

Everything was finished at the cross ... so that we can live in victory.

This is why the cross is not just a symbol of suffering but of triumph. In what appeared to be Jesus' weakest moment, He was actually making His strongest declaration. Through His death, He was giving life. Through His payment, He was canceling our debt. Through His "nishlam", He was creating our "shalom".

On Good Friday, Jesus made a way for us to have an unbroken, complete, whole relationship with God!

I think that deserves an AMEN!

Reflection Question: How does understanding that Jesus fully paid your debt change how you view both your past mistakes and your present struggles?

Action Step: Write down a burden you're carrying or a sin you feel guilty about. Cross it out or tear up the paper as a physical reminder that Jesus has said "It is finished" over that issue.

Prayer: Father, what Jesus accomplished on the cross is almost too much to comprehend. Thank You for the payment that sets me free from guilt and shame. Help me live in the completeness and wholeness Jesus secured with His final word. When I'm tempted to try to earn Your love or pay for my own mistakes, remind me that the debt has been marked "Paid in Full." May my life be a response of gratitude for what has already been finished. Amen.