To truly appreciate Easter, we have to walk through Good Friday.
Today is Good Friday. It’s the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Christ. It’s a somber day, an ugly day. People don’t like Good Friday or to talk about Good Friday. Many churches don’t do Good Friday church services because they are so poorly attended.
The events of Good Friday are so unfair. Jesus was first betrayed by a friend, then given a mock trial. He was beaten, ridiculed and spat upon. No one stood up for Him. Then He suffered an unimaginably horrible death, trading His rightful crown of glory for one of thorns and finally nailed to a cross.
It’s difficult for us to think about. It’s even more difficult to admit that our sins put Him there. We would all like to believe that we are good people and that our sins aren’t that bad. But the truth is all sin is bad. It really doesn’t matter what flavor our particular ones are. Jesus died for my sins and yours. We all had a hand in it.
He was blameless, yet died willingly. He told His captors to put away their swords, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:45
He also told the chief priests, “But this is your hour when darkness reigns.” Luke 23:53b
Jesus was right. Darkness did reign for a time. I encourage you to read one of the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. You can find it in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19.
But, that’s not the end of the story. God always has a plan and God had a plan for Jesus and ultimately a plan for us. The beauty of the Gospels is that there is also a Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20.
While Good Friday is painful and sobering, the next chapter begins Sunday, Easter. Easter is about resurrection, brand new life and redemption for all of us who believe. It’s about forgiveness, grace and new beginnings. It’s part of the greatest love story ever told, the story of God’s love for His people, the story of a savior’s love for us.
Easter Sunday is a reminder that we can begin each day with a clean slate and another chance. It’s like a happy new year every single day.
But, to be able to truly grasp it and fully appreciate it, we really have to walk through Good Friday. I know it’s difficult, but let’s try to spend some time today contemplating the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice. Let’s spend some time in prayer and ask for forgiveness, keeping in mind in these dark hours, that Jesus is coming back.
He is risen! He’s alive! Hallelujah!
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂