This Holy Week, as we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, it is crucial to remember that his work on the cross was not an isolated event, but the culmination of a divine plan of salvation. A plan revealed through "types" in the Old Testament, illustrating future events through figures and events. Isaac carrying wood, Joseph being sold for twenty pieces of silver, for example. All of these are pictures that point to the work of Christ.

The passage from John 19:17-30 offers us a window into this theme, narrating Jesus' death on the cross. In this culminating moment, we can see three fundamental aspects of salvation: its cost, its universality, and its perfection.

The immense cost of our salvation

Salvation wasn't free. Jesus bore an incalculable cost so we could be saved. This cost manifests itself in several ways:

• The cost of humiliation: Jesus, the Son of God, was treated like the worst of criminals. He carried his own cross and was crucified naked, a practice reserved for slaves and insurrectionists. He suffered public scorn, scourging, beatings, and mockery. The humiliation he endured was profound and painful, a price he paid for love of us. (See Philippians 2:8) 

• The cost of becoming a man: He left his eternal glory to take on human form. He experienced our limitations, our anguish, our pain, and our temptations. Philippians 2 describes this act as a self-emptying, a humiliation that culminated in death on the cross. The body nailed there was that of a man, not God. (See Hebrews 4:15) 

• The cost of his own life: Jesus' obedience led him to give his life. We see in the account his journey to the cross, his agony, his thirst. Crucifixion was a terrible form of death, but Jesus faced it willingly. His death forever replaced the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, a unique and perfect sacrifice. (See Hebrews 10:10-12)

The universality of salvation

The title Pilate placed on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, has profound meaning. In a Jerusalem filled with visitors from around the world, this title proclaimed Jesus' kingship in the languages of the known world: Hebrew was the language of the Jews; Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire; and Greek was the language of the educated.

In a context of palpable religious and political tensions, Jesus's claim to be the Messiah was provocative. However, God used Pilate to make this truth transcend the borders of the Jewish people. The salvation offered by Jesus is for all humanity, a message of hope and redemption that extends to every corner of the world. (See John 3:16)

The perfection of salvation: "It is finished"

Jesus' final words on the cross, "It is finished," resonate with transcendental meaning. Imagine a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. Would you think of adding anything to it? Of course not! In the same way, Christ's work on the cross is perfect, complete.

“It is finished” (in Greek, “tetelestai”) means “It is finished.” There is nothing we can add to improve it. Our sins are forgiven, we have been justified by his blood. “Tetelestai” comes from the word “Teleo.” It was a word used by servants to indicate they had completed their task, by merchants to signal that a debt had been paid in full, and by jailers to mark the release of a prisoner. On both the debt note and the bill of condemnation, when paid in full, “Tetelestai” was written in large letters across the sheet.

Jesus, by crying out "Tetelestai," assures us that his work is finished, that the debt has been paid, that the sentence has been fulfilled. The Christian life is not about our works, but about believing in the finished work of Christ. It's not that we will be saved in the future; we are already saved! (See Ephesians 2:8-9)

A testimony of grace

Let me share something personal. I grew up in a church that taught me the importance of the Word, intimacy with God, and service. However, it also taught me that salvation could be lost with every sin. I lived for fifteen years on an agonizing emotional roller coaster, feeling saved one day and condemned the next.

Until, in His mercy, God revealed His unconditional love to me. I understood that His grace loved me despite my imperfections. Today, I live with the freedom of knowing that, even if I stumble, His love and His perfect work on the cross remain unchanged, and that the assurance of salvation lies in His perfect work, not in my actions. His grace has enamored me, saved me, and keeps me safe in His love.

"Tetelestai," the word Jesus cried from the cross, assures us that his death was sufficient to cover all our sins. The masterpiece of salvation is finished. The debt has been paid in full. We need nothing more than to place our faith in the One whose lips spoke these beautiful words.

Reflection questions: 

• What is your personal testimony about God's grace in your life?
• How can you live more authentically and gratefully in response to the salvation you have received?
• What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding and experience of salvation in Christ?

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Student: Martha Rodríguez

Puerto Rico

Student: Norma González

USA