Good Friday?
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
Would anyone who was there the day Jesus was crucified have called it a “good” day? The high priest Caiaphas and the Pharisees got rid of Someone who challenged them and was a threat to their authority —but at what price? Pontius Pilate, the hard-bitten Roman governor, reluctantly allowed Jesus to be crucified to appease the mob and their leaders demanding Jesus’ life. Pilate turned Him over to the execution squad, for whom this was just another death sentence along with two others that day—until the centurion realized they’d killed the Son of God!
If the disciples called it “good,” it was only after encountering the risen Christ. And would Jesus say that Friday was “good”? The scene at Gethsemane the night before was agonizing, as Jesus prayed to His Father to spare Him from His awful mission. But due to Jesus’ love for His Father and humanity, He made it a “good” day.
The term "Good Friday" first occurred in the fourth century. Some think it was originally called “God’s Friday.” Today we can call it “good” if we appreciate the fact that Jesus’ trial, punishment, and death brought our salvation. These truths are seen through the spiritual spectacles of faith. So in that sense it truly is “Good Friday”!
On Good Friday, blessed Jesus, we lament the sin and evil that made this horror necessary. But we are also grateful for Your sacrifice. Help us to more fully live in appreciation of Your sacrificial love. In Your holy name, Amen.
Inspired by a Today Devotion