What’s So Good About Friday?

Read

John 19:28-30 “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Think

In Denmark, this day is known as Long Friday, a fitting title for the ominous hours between sunset and sunrise centuries ago. Have you ever thought about the significance of "Good" Friday? It commemorates the brutal execution of Jesus, who endured torture between two criminals, beneath darkened skies, amid earthquakes and torn veils. It marks the moment when the God of the universe, in human form, walked the earth only to be condemned to death. One might question the appropriateness of calling it "good."

The term "Good Friday" finds its meaning in Jesus's final words on the cross: "It is finished." These words resonate as a powerful reminder during our darkest nights, haunted by nightmares and migraines that disrupt our sleep. In times of anxiety over car crashes and looming hospital bills, when sirens blare and the specter of cancer hangs overhead, recall those words: "It is finished."

When everything seems to crumble—bodies succumb, honesty wavers, fitness routines falter, failure looms, love stalls, cars break down, houses deteriorate, and relationships strain—reflect on the fact that Christ bore it all on that first Good Friday. He willingly assumed the burdens of our troubles and trials, proclaiming, "It is finished!" Recognizing the inevitability of trouble and trials, Jesus assured us the night before his death, "But take heart! I have overcome." He accomplished the purpose for which he came, finishing the work that needed to be done. He paid for it all.

R.C. Sproul wrote, “On the cross, Jesus was cursed. He represented the covenant-breakers who were exposed to the curse and took the full measure of the curse upon himself. As the Lamb of God, the sin-bearer, he was cut off from the presence of God. On the cross, Jesus experienced forsakenness on our behalf.”

Apply

“It is finished.” Jesus paid for all of our sins. When we are distressed or burdened, we can turn to him. What do you need to give him today? How does this give you hope?

Pray

Jesus, I struggle at times to recognize how great a sacrifice you paid for my sins and the enormity of your love for me. Give me strength and wisdom to fully embrace what you did for me on the cross and the finished work of Jesus that is available. Give me a renewed sense of hope and courage to tell others about what you have done for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.