Paid in Full
Scripture Reading — Matthew 20:20-28
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
Jesus’ mission was a matter of “search and rescue.” He came to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10). He fulfilled that mission by giving his life “as a ransom for many.”
As Jesus hung on the cross and spoke the words “It is finished” (John 19:30), he was announcing that his mission was now accomplished. Because he offered his perfect life as the sacrifice for sin, God was pleased to welcome home all his lost children!
The brief sentence “It is finished” translates from just a single word in the original Greek text. The same word was used by shopkeepers to announce that someone’s bill was finally paid. When the final payment was made on a purchased item, the merchant would say “Tetelestai” (“It is finished”). In other words, the debt was paid in full.
When I made the last payment on the first car I ever bought, I remember how good it felt to see the bank teller stamp “Paid in Full” on my loan documents. Never again would another payment be required!
As Jesus said “It is finished” on the cross, he was assuring us that his mission was complete. He had paid in full all the costs required for our sin. And when we now place our trust in him, our debt for sin is forever wiped off the books!
O God, thank you that Jesus has bought salvation for me! He has done everything needed for me to know you, love you, and serve you now and forever! Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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