Debt Object Lesson

Right before Jesus’ death, the soldiers who crucified Him raised a sponge full of vinegar to Him on the cross. John 19:30 says:

When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and released His spirit.

What did Jesus mean when He said those words before He died? The words, “It is finished” are a translation of the Greek word tetelestai—pronounced “teh-TELL-ih-sty”—that means to end or bring something to completion or fulfillment. Jesus had completed the mission that God sent Him to Earth to do. He had lived a sinless life and obediently submitted to and completed God’s plan to redeem us.

In Bible times, that Greek word was stamped or written across a bill—for example a tax or debt document—when the debt was paid in full! This meant that the person who owed that debt was free and clear from it; nothing more was owed.

Take out the Debt Document and show the children.

When humans sin, there is a debt that needs to be paid to God for that sin. No ordinary man could pay the price because all humans are sinful. Jesus came to Earth to live a perfect, sinless life to pay the debt for our sin with His precious blood and death! When Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” He declared that the debt for sin was paid in full!

With a marker write, “Paid in Full” across the document and show children.

1 Timothy 2:6 says:

He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.