Good Friday

Matthew 27

Dawn breaks after a sleepless night. 

Abandoned by his closest friends, betrayed by one and denied by another. 

Unjustly accused and condemned by hypocritical religious leaders.

The Perfect Judge of all standing silent as a defendant under Pilate. 

The rebel Barabbas set free, while He took his place. 

The cries of the people have turned from praise and worship to demanding His death. 

Mocked as He’s stripped and dressed in a king’s costume and crown of thorns.

Beaten. Spit on. Cursed. Whipped. Crushed. Bruised. 

Nailed to a tree—spikes in his wrists and ankles. 

Thirsty. Suffocating. Bleeding. Crying. Suffering.

Abandoned... Alone… Forsaken…

Willingly giving up his Spirit—He breathes his last.

Dead.

Pierced in the side. 

Buried in a borrowed tomb.

How could we possibly call this day Good?

How could we dare to call this day Good?

How could we dream of remembering this day as Good?

This day could only be good because of the infinite goodness of the One on that cross. 

This day could only be good because of the infinite love of the One on that cross.

This day could only be good because of the healing that comes from the wounds of the One on that cross.

This day could only be good because of the infinite perfection of the One offered as a sacrificial lamb. Paying the price. Bearing our sickness. Carrying our pains. Pierced because of our rebellion. Crushed because of our iniquities. Oppressed and afflicted. Interceding for the rebels. Punished for our sins to purchase our peace.

How could we possibly call this day Good?

How could we have possibly paid this price ourselves?

Christ in our place.

God saving sinners.

That is what makes Friday Good.

Prayer:

Take some time to listen to or read the lyrics of How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.

Question to consider:

Why should I gain from His reward? // I cannot give an answer // But this I know with all my heart // His wounds have paid my ransom.