Good Friday Reflections

Today may look dark, but Easter is coming.

Today is Good Friday. It’s the day the Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. It’s tempting to skip over and head right on to Easter Sunday. Living on this side of the cross, we know how the story ends. Yet, to fully appreciate the glory and magnitude of the resurrection, we have to acknowledge the crucifixion.

In Mark, Chapter 15, we find Pilate talking to the chief priests about Jesus. Pilate knows He has done nothing wrong and is willing to set Him free. But, they would have none of it.

Nope, the folks in charge wanted Jesus gone and out of the picture completely. They were tired of the talk of miracles. They were fed up hearing about the massive healings and the feeding of the multitudes. They didn’t want to hear about people being raised from the dead. They didn’t want to hear about forgiveness and faith.

They didn’t want to change from how they had always done things. They liked the status quo.

And for a short while, it looked like they got their wish.

Although one would have to wonder if the earthquake that occurred along with the tearing of the temple curtain, at Jesus’ death, made them question their decision to have Him killed. The Bible doesn’t tell us.

They had Saturday to bask in their accomplishment. I suspect they were thinking they were back to business as usual, but Sunday morning changed everything. On Sunday, when the tomb was found empty and Jesus appeared, hope and redemption were born.

The people in charge, have been trying to get rid of Jesus ever since. From the persecution of the earliest believers to the persecution that still goes on today, apparently hope and redemption are just too much for some people. The concept of forgiveness and grace is something worth jailing, torturing and killing Christians over.

And while we sit and shake our heads, thankful that we don’t live in such a barbaric part of the world or in such uncivilized times, aren’t our own leaders getting rid of Jesus at every turn? Prayer is no longer allowed in school and there are people who have lost their jobs over praying. Different groups have fought to have crosses removed from public places. Nativity scenes have been banned in parts of our country.

As we reflect upon the somber outcome of Good Friday, may we pray for revival in our own lives, and in our communities, and in our country, and in our world. Yes, the world looks very dark right now, but we know that Easter is coming. Jesus has risen and He’s coming back.

Can I get a hallelujah?

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂