The “Good” in Good Friday

“It was about noon, and the whole land became dark until three o’clock in the afternoon, because the sun did not shine. The curtain in the Temple was torn in two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice ‘Father, I give You, my life.’ After Jesus said this, He died.” - Luke 23:44-46

This is what Good Friday is about, a day to look back as a reminder of what Jesus went through. On that Friday about 2000 years ago, He suffered much before dying on the cross, so we do not have to suffer eternal punishment. Jesus was falsely accused of blasphemy and was flogged and slapped in the face (John19:1, John 19:3). He was spit on, mocked, and hung on a wooden cross with nails that went through His hands and then died (Mark 10:34).

Jesus made Good Friday possible for Christians to celebrate today. He did it for all people who believe that He died for their sins (John 3:16). We can remember what Jesus did and how lucky and blessed we are to have a savior like Him. Jesus freely gave His life to save people from hell. That is a good thing because hell is a painful place that is eternal.

It is also a good thing that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17). Jesus came to serve others and fulfill God’s plan for salvation (Matthew 20:28).

During these three hours of darkness mentioned in Luke 23, Jesus bore the penalty of our sins in His holy body on the tree and committed His spirit into the hands of God.

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

We are grateful to read about what happened to Jesus on Good Friday long ago. It is all about Jesus. We have a good reason to remember why Good Friday is important. It is a day that Jesus was hung on the cross and died for people who believe it. He came to save us and we are happy that He did because He made it possible for us to go to heaven. We give You thanks and praise for the wonderful gift of salvation in Jesus Christ on this Good Friday. In Your Son’s name we pray, Amen!