Literally translated the word Tetelesti, or Tetelestai as it is sometimes spelled means, "It is finished.” As an artist, the word Tetelesti has significant meaning. The word in the Greek culture was used by an artist to signify that a creation was completely finished. An artist would have stated, “Tetelesti," to confirm that nothing more could be added to his masterpiece. While "Tetelesti" has a u
nique significance in art, it is given far more meaning by the fact that it was one of the last words spoken by Jesus Christ. As one of Jesus' last spoken words, some have said it is the most powerful word in His entire ministry. In the gospel of John chapter 19 verse 30, scripture tells us that it was on the cross that Jesus Christ finished His redeeming and atoning work for all mankind. You see, this was not a work unique to artists, but had many applications including the following: "Tetelesti" was stamped on a document of charges against a criminal after they had served or paid in full their debt and/or prison sentence, was used by a bank when a debt had been repaid by a debtor, and was used by a servant to inform his master that the work was accomplished. According to this verse, Jesus' emphatic statement of "Tetelesti," proclaimed that He has completed His redemptive and atoning sacrifice on the cross for the debts of the world. Used in this context, Christ's statement of "Tetelesti" is arguably the most powerful utterance in the history of man. We don’t plan for cancer, sickness or injuries. Often these experiences catch us by surprise and can dramatically change our lives. When they do, we need to find a new way of living, sometimes temporarily. Some may feel that life is less than before. Healing Through The Arts can show you that life can be more, or in someway, better than before. True healing is not waiting for time to heal. It is creating the opportunities where healing takes place, and the process of mending can make us stronger. Through Art we gain a sense of life’s meaning. When we create art, we make something that did not exist before and can preserve it to enjoy. Our interaction with art provides a break from the pace of routine, where we can notice the unique. You do not need to be creative to participate, only a desire to learn and enjoy the adventure. Creation and healing are the same energy. They transform pain, rather than being destroyed by it. Art heals by accepting the pain and doing something with it. (Art Heals: How Creativity Cures The Soul.
