Famous Last Words

Sometimes we can learn a lot about a person in history by what they said immediately before dying. Sometimes the words are inspiring, sometimes the words are a little ironic, but the final words of famous people are often fascinating. P.T. Barnum the entrepreneur’s last words were “How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?” Even at the end, profits were important to him. Napoleon’s last word was, Josephine. Ahhh, that is so romantic. Charles Darwin reportedly said, “I am not the least afraid to die,” on his deathbed. I wonder how the afterlife is going for him so far. Julius Caesar said, “et tu brute,” saddened by the betrayal of his close friend.

Perhaps the most important word spoken by Jesus was the final word that he spoke, “tetelestai”, which is roughly translated “It is finished.” When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”(John 19:30) Some of the power of the word tetelestai is lost in translation. The Greek word implies completion, perfection, and full satisfaction. Another phrase to convey the meaning of tetelestai, is one that I find the most powerful, “Paid-In-Full.”

I would suggest that the last word that Jesus spoke was the most important word ever spoken. There have been many important words said throughout history, creation was even spoken into existence. But no words are more important to mankind than Paid-in-Full. Jesus, the Son of God had come to earth, lived a perfect sinless life, and now just before the spirit left His earthly body, He declares that it is completed and paid in full. Sin and death had lost their power over mankind. The debt that man could never begin to pay was paid completely and eternally. Try to reflect on this statement when you struggle and when you are discouraged. Paid-In-Full. When you lonely and afraid. Paid-In-Full. When you are suffering. Paid-In-Full. No motivation speaker has ever come close to saying something this beautiful and motivating. The reality of an insurmountable debt being Paid-In-Full is such good news that it changes lives and brings hope to the hopeless. This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.