Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
April 3, 2026
It Is Finished!
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 19:28-30.
Just before He breathed His last, our Lord proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In our English Bibles, that’s three words, but in the original Greek, it’s one beautiful word: Tetelestai. Why do I say it’s beautiful? It has to do with grammar and syntax. You see, tetelestai is a perfect passive verb, which means the action of the verb has been accomplished and yet its effects continue on and on.
On the cross, Christ finished His work—He completed His earthly mission—and yet the effects of His perfect sacrifice on our behalf will continue until He comes again. Jesus’ death on the cross will continue to bless millions upon millions of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation as they confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts God raised Him from the dead (see Romans 10:9).
Jesus is the sole path of salvation for everyone on the face of the earth. His finished work alone atones for sin—and it’s always been that way. Even before Jesus came, the saints of the Old Testament were saved by trusting in what God would one day do for them in Christ.
Abraham, by faith, longed for the day when Jesus would say, “Tetelestai.” Moses prophesied about the day when that word would be uttered. David sang songs, looking forward to that day, and the prophets proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, the one who would crush the head of the serpent (see Genesis 3:15). Through Christ, there is now nothing to separate us from God the Father—we have been made righteous by the blood of His Son.
Tetelestai. The entire Gospel can be summed up with that one word because Jesus did everything necessary for our salvation when He died upon that cross. He secured our forgiveness and our place in the family of God forever. And now our glorious privilege is to proclaim this Good News. Christ’s work on the cross was sufficient for you, me, and anyone who comes to Him in repentance. The world needs to know It is finished.
Prayer: Lord, I praise You that it is finished! By Your incredible grace, You have redeemed me from the grave. May I lovingly and boldly share Your Good News with those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon It Is Finished: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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About Leading The Way
Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.
What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.
Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.
About Dr. Michael Youssef
Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.
Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
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