John 19.1-42
Good Friday. What is so good about “Good Friday?” What is so good about a traitor leading a group of soldiers to arrest a good man, a rigged trial, a wrongful judgment, a crucifixion. What is “good” about this day?
Good Friday is good because:
The prophesies of Scripture were fulfilled. Consider Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me… they have pierced my hands and my feet… they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
The Son of God was totally, uncomplainingly willing to do the will of the Father. Consider Matthew 26.39, 42: Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.
A thief on a cross and others were forgiven: Consider Luke 23.34, 43: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do… And Jesus said to the thief, Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.
A sacrifice was made for the forgiveness of sin. Not just a common animal sacrifice, but the sacrifice of the holy Son of God – made once for all. Consider Hebrews 9.26: But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
A sacrifice was given in love for sinful people. Consider John 3.16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
A sacrifice was made to cleanse those who were lost, dead, and bound in sin – giving hope. Consider Ephesians 2.4-5: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.
A sacrifice was made for the enemy to be defeated. Consider Hebrews 2.14: Jesus that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.
A sacrifice was made in order for Christ to rise from the dead. Consider Mark 16.6: You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here.
A sacrifice was made for our resurrection to be possible. Consider Job 19.25 – For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth…, yet in my flesh I shall see God. Also 1 Thessalonians 4.16-17: For the Lord himself will descend from heaven…. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
This is only a few – as Good Friday is “Good” for many more reasons. May it be our prayer and desire to worship Him, to glorify Him, and to give Him all praise, as He so powerfully, completely, and wonderfully purchased our redemption.
Celebrating Christ on Good Friday – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 