"Finished" is Not Always the End!

“It is finished.”

(John 19:30)

These famous words of of Jesus are often quoted during the Easter season and when giving testimony to the fulfillment of the ultimate sacrifice for the sin of mankind as a whole and as individuals.

"Tetelestai" doesn’t translate simply, we have to make a phrase out of it - "It is finished." But still some of its power is lost in the translation. In the Greek it implies that something has come to an end, it has been completed, perfected, accomplished in the full and that something has consequences that will endure on and on.

As we relate the close of a school year to teaching and the students as well, I want to encourage everyone that the energy we put into education, especially one that is based upon a biblical world-view has enduring consequences.

What we learn to be truth is how we live our life! As teachers, we need to be sure to convey the truth to our students. As students, we need to be responsible for what we know, and that we know it to be true! Education does not stop when the final bell rings for the year or for the school career. One never stops learning! There is always someone and something to teach.

We know that though Jesus said it is finished on the cross, He still had more to do and is still doing on our behalf. That part of His ministry was completed however. . .

But for my teaching brethren, one word of warning or encouragement, considering how one receives it:

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

(James 3:1)