By six in the evening on the first Good Friday, the world was a different place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had died on the cross, suffering the most humiliating and agonizing death imaginable. He had been betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, mocked, whipped, and crucified by the very people He came to save. He had cried out in anguish, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” and breathed His last. His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed by a large stone. His disciples were scattered, fearful, and hopeless.
The Jewish leaders were satisfied, thinking they had eliminated a threat to their authority and religion. The Roman soldiers were indifferent, having executed another criminal among many. The world seemed to have gone on as usual, oblivious to the cosmic significance of what had just happened.
But what had just happened was nothing less than the turning point of history, the climax of God’s plan of salvation, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, had offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He had paid the price of our redemption, reconciling us to God and opening the way to eternal life. He had conquered sin and death, breaking their power and securing our victory. He had revealed the depth of God’s grace and mercy, inviting us to receive His forgiveness and friendship. He had accomplished His mission, saying, “It is finished.”
The world was a different place because of Good Friday, but not everyone recognized it. Only those who believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior could understand the meaning and value of His death. Only those who trusted in His promises and followed His commands could experience the benefits and blessings of His sacrifice. Only those who were born again by His Spirit and united with His body could share in His resurrection and glory. Only those who loved Him and worshiped Him could appreciate His love and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Good Friday is not just a historical event or a religious observance. It is a personal encounter with the crucified and risen Lord, who invites us to join Him in His death and resurrection, and to follow Him in His mission and His glory. Let us respond to His call with faith, obedience, and love, and let us celebrate His victory with gratitude, praise, and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your amazing love and grace, that You gave Yourself for us on the cross, to save us from our sins and to bring us to God. We praise You for Your power and glory, that You rose from the dead, to defeat our enemies and to secure our future. We worship You for Your presence and promises, that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We confess that we have not always appreciated the revolutionary difference that Your death and resurrection have made in our lives and in our world. We have often ignored, neglected, or disobeyed Your call to follow You in Your mission and Your glory. We have sometimes been ashamed, afraid, or indifferent to Your gospel and Your kingdom. We have frequently failed to love You and our neighbor as You have loved us.
Forgive us, Lord, and renew us by Your Spirit. Help us to repent of our sins and to believe in Your good news. Help us to take up our cross and to follow You, no matter the cost or the challenge. Help us to love You with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves, reflecting Your image and Your character. Help us to proclaim Your death and resurrection to the world, testifying to Your saving power and Your coming kingdom. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and Your promises, living in hope and joy, knowing that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We ask this in Your name, and for Your sake. Amen.
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