Faith & Finance

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9

Each year, Christians pause to remember Good Friday—the day Jesus Christ was crucified. At first glance, calling this day “good” may seem strange. After all, it marks one of the darkest, most sorrowful moments in human history. But for those who trust in Christ, Good Friday isn’t the end of the story—it’s the turning point. It’s the day God’s grace was poured out most fully and most freely.

Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one of deep sorrow and overwhelming gratitude. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die for us—He died instead of us. The pain He endured was not only physical but also spiritual. The weight He carried to the cross wasn’t just a wooden beam but the full weight of our guilt and rebellion.

And yet, it was love—not nails—that held Him there.

The Financial Language of Redemption

Here on Faith & Finance, we often discuss budgeting, investing, and managing money well. But Scripture frequently uses financial imagery to communicate spiritual realities. This isn't a coincidence. Terms like debt, ransom, redemption, and inheritance appear throughout the Bible to help us understand the gravity of sin and the beauty of salvation.

• “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
• “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45
• “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:20

These verses paint a clear picture: our sin incurred a debt that only Jesus could pay.

Tetelestai: It Is Finished

In John 19:30, as Jesus gave up His spirit, He cried out, “It is finished.” The Greek word He used—tetelestai—was more than a declaration of His suffering ending. It was a victory cry.

In the ancient world, tetelestai was written across receipts to show that a debt had been paid in full. It was the word a priest would use after examining a spotless lamb and declaring it worthy for sacrifice. It was a servant’s report that a task had been completed.

So when Jesus spoke it from the cross, He was announcing the completion of His mission: the debt of sin had been fully, finally paid. Jesus didn’t come to make a down payment on our salvation. He didn’t cover part of the cost and leave the rest up to us. He paid it all.

That means you and I no longer live in spiritual deficit. We live in the overflow of God’s grace. There’s no more striving to earn God’s favor, no more guilt weighing us down. Instead, we live in joyful obedience—not to gain life, but because in Christ, we’ve already found it.

Why Good Friday Is Truly Good

Good Friday is good not because it was easy but because it was enough.

At the cross, God demonstrated the greatest act of generosity the world has ever seen. Jesus gave everything so that we could receive everything. His riches were traded for our poverty. His life was given to cover our debt. And now, because of Him, we are invited into the riches of His grace.

So, as we reflect today, may we hear His final words echo in our hearts—It is finished. The debt has been paid. The way to the Father is open. The shame is gone. And the invitation to live fully, freely, and faithfully has been extended to each of us.

From Financial Fear to Freedom in Christ

If this message resonates with you, we invite you to explore Look at the Sparrows, our 21-day devotional designed to address financial fear and anxiety through the lens of the gospel. In it, you'll discover how the riches of God’s grace free us from worry and invite us to trust fully in His provision.

On this Good Friday, rest in this truth: Jesus has already paid the price. Now we get to live generously, not from fear but from freedom.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I want to send money to my three cousins in Europe who are in a difficult economic situation. Can I get a tax deduction for gifting them money?
• I need guidance on being a good steward and managing my giving to various churches and outreaches.
• I'm receiving a modest inheritance and want to give about $30,000 to one of my siblings. I'm also planning to give $10,000 to my son for a wedding gift. I'd like to know how to handle these gifts from a tax perspective and if I need to split the gifts over two years.
• I want to know how to start on a debt-free journey and what steps I should take to stay on that path.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine
• Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard Dayton
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.