Our text is the record of one of the seven words of Jesus on the Cross. Specifically, it was the seventh and the final thing He said before He gave up the ghost. The verse points out several things. Firstly, it reveals the voluntary nature of Jesus’ death. He gave up His spirit, not that anyone took it by sheer force. He had earlier said this much Himself – “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NKJV. While they were trying to arrest Him among the disciples, He presented Himself and the people fell backwards to the ground. Thus, He submitted Himself to the point of death and not because of any earthly power massed against Him.

Anyone who identifies with the death of Jesus by faith has no need for further actions for his or her sins to be forgiven. When Jesus invited people to His rest, it was meant to be based on His finished work.

Our text also reveals the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ work through His death. The word that is employed here is the Greek word tetelestai. It is a word that was usually put on official receipts to indicate debts which have been paid, or obligations which have been met. When Jesus made that declaration, it implied that all that was necessary for the atonement of sin of mankind has been fully discharged. Anyone who identifies with the death of Jesus by faith has no need for further actions for his or her sins to be forgiven. When Jesus invited people to His rest, it was meant to be based on His finished work.