Sermons on John 19:28-30


The various sermons below interpret John 19:28-30 by focusing on the Greek word "tetelestai," which translates to "it is finished." This word is explored through its historical and cultural contexts, such as its use by artists, merchants, and priests to signify completion, payment, and perfection. Each sermon emphasizes the finality and completeness of Jesus' work on the cross, underscoring that nothing can be added to or taken away from it. The sermons collectively highlight Jesus' fulfillment of his mission, the payment of humanity's debt of sin, and the satisfaction of divine justice. They use analogies like a completed masterpiece or a debt paid in full to illustrate the totality of Jesus' sacrifice and the fulfillment of God's promises.

While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct theological emphases. One sermon highlights the transition from law to grace, arguing that Christ's work renders any system of earning God's favor obsolete, thus providing believers with freedom from sin and death. Another sermon focuses on Jesus' victory over sin and death, emphasizing that his declaration "It is finished" offers believers a foundation of victory and freedom from guilt and shame. A different sermon introduces the theme of Jesus' control over his life and death, highlighting his authority in willingly giving up his spirit and completing his redemptive mission.

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John 19:28-30 Interpretation:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) interprets John 19:28-30 by focusing on the Greek word "tetelestai," which is translated as "it is finished." The sermon explains that this word was used in various contexts, such as by artists to signify a completed work of art, by merchants to indicate a debt paid in full, and by priests to declare a perfect sacrifice. This interpretation emphasizes the completeness and finality of Jesus' work on the cross, suggesting that nothing more can be added or taken away from it.

Embracing the Victory of Christ: It Is Finished (Daystar Church) interprets John 19:28-30 by focusing on the Greek word "tetelestai," which Jesus used on the cross. The sermon explains that this word was commonly used in various contexts, such as a servant reporting to a master that a task was completed, a judge declaring a debt paid, or an artist finishing a masterpiece. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' use of "tetelestai" signifies the completion of his mission to pay the debt of sin for humanity, fulfilling God's promises and satisfying divine justice.

Embracing Redemption: Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice (R S) interprets John 19:28-30 by highlighting Jesus' conscious fulfillment of his mission. The sermon notes that Jesus' declaration "It is finished" signifies the completion of his redemptive work, fulfilling the demands of divine justice. The sermon uses the analogy of a financial transaction, where a debt is paid in full, to illustrate the completeness of Jesus' sacrifice.

John 19:28-30 Theological Themes:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) presents the theme that the law is finished through Christ's work on the cross. The sermon argues that any system where man tries to earn God's favor is now obsolete, as righteousness is now obtained through faith in Jesus. This theme highlights the transition from law to grace, emphasizing that believers are no longer under the law but under grace, which provides freedom from sin and death.

Embracing the Victory of Christ: It Is Finished (Daystar Church) presents the theme of Jesus' victory over sin and death. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' declaration "It is finished" marks the end of sin's control over believers, offering them a foundation of victory and freedom from guilt and shame.

Embracing Redemption: Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice (R S) introduces the theme of Jesus' control over his own life and death. The sermon highlights that Jesus willingly gave up his spirit, demonstrating his authority and the completion of his redemptive mission.

John 19:28-30 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) provides historical context by explaining the use of the word "tetelestai" in various professions during biblical times. For example, artists would use it to declare a work complete, merchants would use it to indicate a debt paid in full, and priests would use it to declare a perfect sacrifice. This context helps to illustrate the multifaceted significance of Jesus' declaration on the cross.

Embracing the Victory of Christ: It Is Finished (Daystar Church) provides historical context by explaining the various uses of the word "tetelestai" in ancient times, such as in legal, financial, and artistic contexts. This insight helps to understand the multifaceted significance of Jesus' declaration on the cross.

John 19:28-30 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) references Romans 5:19 to explain the concept of original sin and righteousness through Christ. The sermon uses this passage to contrast the disobedience of Adam, which made many sinners, with the obedience of Jesus, which makes many righteous. This cross-reference supports the sermon’s theme of grace and the finished work of Christ.

Embracing the Victory of Christ: It Is Finished (Daystar Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation. It mentions the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, citing Jesus' explanation to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:44-45). The sermon also references Romans 10:4, which speaks of Christ ending the law for righteousness, and Colossians 1:13-14, which describes believers' transfer from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ.

Embracing Redemption: Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice (R S) references Genesis 22, drawing a parallel between Jesus' sacrifice and the story of Abraham and Isaac. The sermon uses this story to illustrate the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus takes the place of sinners.

John 19:28-30 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of John 19:28-30.

John 19:28-30 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing Grace: Freedom Through Christ's Finished Work (Cornerstone Church TV) uses the analogy of an artist completing a painting or a sculptor finishing a sculpture to illustrate the concept of "tetelestai." The sermon explains that just as an artist or sculptor would declare their work complete with nothing more to add or take away, Jesus declared his work on the cross complete, signifying the perfection and finality of his sacrifice.