Friday, April 7, 2023

Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate and show respect for the pain and suffering Jesus endured, and ultimately the death of his human body, during his crucifixion on Calvary. It sounds strange to call such an event “good,” and there are different theories on how that came about. Some think it’s a corruption from the phrase “God’s Friday.” Others think it's a reference to another of its names, “Holy Friday”, because “good” used to mean “holy.” Whichever you believe, they all point to the importance of remembering the passion and crucifixion of Jesus.

But Good Friday is so much more than remembering the loss of Jesus’ life. It's also about reflecting on how one death brought life to the entire world. The cross represents the mercy so graciously displayed by Jesus to save humanity from itself. The moment gave every person the opportunity to join Jesus in paradise.

Here is a perfect example shown by one of the men who died on a cross next to Jesus.

Luke 23:39-43
³⁹ One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal protested, “Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” ⁴³ And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

This man is the first account of anyone truly believing in the intercession of Jesus. It is also the only known, last-minute salvation that occurred in the Bible. The criminal who recognized he deserved death for his actions was freed from his sins through his faith in Christ. If salvation were based on works, then none of us could earn God’s love or experience his promises. We are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus alone.

Questions:
Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross to save the world? How do you find the good in a moment of suffering?

Next Steps:
Celebrate Good Friday by taking part in attending or watching CedarCreek's first Good Friday service. Read the entirety of Luke 23 to gain more understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for the mercy we receive from the power of your blood. Your sacrifice and love have made it possible for my family and others to find meaning in living a life of purpose. Please, continue to push me to spread the news of the goodness that comes from believing in you. Amen.