He said, “It is finished,” which is one Greek word, tetelestai (te-tel-les’-ty), that can be translated “to end,” “complete,” “execute” or “to discharge a debt”.  This word was used when a servant would say to his master,  tetelestai, “I have finished the project that you sent me to do.”  It was used when a merchant would place a stamp upon a piece of paper, that “the debt has been paid in full”.  It was used in a third way when someone would bring a sacrificial lamb before a priest, who would inspect it. If the animal didn’t have a blemish, the priest would say tetelestai. “This is worthy to be sacrificed.” What was finished?  The perfect work of Jesus Christ was finished, the servant finished the work and the debt has been paid in full.  Your sin has been paid for by His shed blood.”

I deserve death: “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a).  Both thieves hanging on crosses by Jesus were guilty, just like you are guilty, just like I am guilty.  Both thieves heard and saw the same exact thing during those six hours.  One recognized his need, and one didn’t.  Do you recognize your need for a savior?  The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23).