GOOD FRIDAY

Today we stand at the foot of Mount Calvary and look upon the crucified Son of God. A dense and foreboding darkness falls as we witness the ghastly scene. Christ's tortured body is hanging on the cross and the cost of our redemption is once again brought to the fore. 

Without that awful day of suffering and sorrow, God could not be both 'just' concerning the law and a 'justifier' of those who live by faith. It stands as the most important event in all of history ... the Lord's wrath and mercy were both satisfied.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

 

Before His death, Jesus uttered seven statements that impact us yet today ... 

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) We are made aware of how far His forgiveness extends, how deep His well of mercy, how amazing His offer of grace. 

2. “I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) A penitent thief confessed his guilt and acknowledged Christ's Lordship. The simplicity of God's plan of salvation was thus demonstrated ... 'only believe'. 

3. “Woman, behold your son ... son, behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27) Our gaze turns from the unfolding drama on the cross to those watching. Though racked with pain, Jesus looks with compassion at his mother and releases her to John.

4. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) The prophetic words of Psalm 22 are spoken as Christ experiences for the first time, His Father's absence. Jesus became 'sin' and it severed that intimacy. 

5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28) This reminds us that Jesus was fully human when He suffered and died. The trauma wrought by the scourging and crucifixion was physically experienced by the very Creator of the universe. 

6. “It is finished.” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus had won the victory. He took upon himself our iniquity, that we might be cloaked in His righteousness.  

7. “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Jesus bows His head and hands His spirit over to His Father. The crowd slowly disperses, fear and anguish grip His followers, and all seems lost. It's Friday ... but Sunday's coming. 

Though 'Good Friday' is set aside each year to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf ... the shadow of the cross must never be absent in our daily walk of faith.