Good Friday

Today's Scripture

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying His own cross, He went out to the Place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is Golgotha). Here they crucified Him, & with Him two others--one on each side & Jesus in the middle. (John 19:16b-18)

What's So Good About It?

First of all, I encourage you to read St. John's entire account of the crucifixion & death of Jesus Christ, found In John 19:17-30. Then read David's many prophecies in Psalm 22--prophecies that came true many centuries later. Then ponder this question:  What's so "good" about "Good" Friday?

The holy, sinless Son of God was murdered on that fateful Good Friday. He endured torture & mockery. He was crucified between two common criminals. The religious leaders & others jeered at Him while He hung in agony on the cross. And our sins, too, nailed Him to that cross.

Yet Jesus' death proved to be the greatest blessing, the greatest gift for all humankind. Because He took our sins to the cross, His sacrifice won forgiveness for us. His Father accepted Jesus' death on our behalf, as evidenced by Jesus' resurrection on the third day. We read in Hebrews 5:8-9, "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered &, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." So, yes, Good Friday was & remains overwhelmingly good.

Today's Prayer

Lord Jesus we are ashamed that our sins nailed You to the cross. Please forgive us. Yet we give You thanks & praise that Your goodness won for us forgiveness of our sins. Amen.

NOTE:  I'm publishing devotions during Holy Week instead of my usual blog topics. My prayer is that these devotions would glorify God & edify those who read them.