Good Friday…Although the term “Good Friday” is not mentioned in the Bible, we can study the events that took place on the day Jesus was crucified. After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was taken through several trials before the chief priests, Pontius Pilate, and Herod. Three of the trials were by Jewish leaders and three by the Romans. These events led up to Good Friday. Pilate tried to compromise with the religious leaders by having Jesus beaten, but this act didn’t satisfy them, so Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus was mocked by the soldiers as they dressed Him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns. The sentence was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Jesus, assisted by Simon of Cyrene, was then forced to carry His cross to the place of His death. It was at Golgotha that Jesus was crucified along with two criminals. Later in the day, the Bible tells us that Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and was granted permission. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb. He then rolled a big stone in front of the entrance.

Good Friday – Why is it “Good”?
Is good Friday really “good”? It may seem odd that people celebrate the day Jesus was crucified as “good.” Obviously, the suffering Jesus went through on Good Friday was not good. He was whipped, beaten, mocked, and killed in a very violent way. How can that be good? The results of Jesus’ death are very good! This is explained in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus has washed away your sins and forgiven you. Through His death, you will spend eternity with Him. So yes indeed, Good Friday is a ‘good day!’

A Thought To Remember
“Good Friday stands as a testament to the power of sacrificial love, forever changing the course of human history.” -Anonymous

My Response
Through my tears today, O Jesus, I see you suffering, crying out and dying and you did this all for me. This is a day of Grace, a day of Redemption, and a day of Release for my body, soul and mind. You have wiped away my sin and given me a new life for today and forever with you in heaven when you call me home. No greater love exists like your love, AMEN.