Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-37
The day that Jesus suffered, bled, and died would forever be known as ‘Good Friday.’ To an outsider of Christianity, this may seem morbid and repulsive, but for those of us who know the value of what was accomplished on that cross, we can say as Paul says, “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)
While many Christians will spend this day beating themselves up thinking about the details of Christ’s suffering, we are provided a new perspective on how we ought to think of the cross. When we come to communion, which Jesus instituted for His followers the night before He died, we take time to reflect on how Jesus’ body was broken for us, just as He broke the bread. This is where we confess our sins and remember the wrath of God which was poured out on Jesus on our behalf. When we get to the picture of Christ’s blood, we no longer sorrow, but rejoice that God has made provision for us to be cleansed and forgiven, no longer deserving the wrath of God.
So, just as Jesus and the disciples would have concluded the Passover meal with a joyful song of praise, let us spend this ‘Good Friday’ rejoicing that “It is finished!”