Four years ago I wrote a post with this title. You might be interested to look back at it here.
This is still a question that resonates within me; a question that you may wonder about as well. There is so much more to say than what I shared before.
Why is Good Friday Good? How is the excruciating, violent, prolonged suffering of One man good? Isn’t it morbid to focus on the blood and gore that Jesus of Nazareth went through? Isn’t this annual tradition just a little out dated in the era? I am no theologian, or Bible scholar or historian. I know people who are. I have listened to them, read their writings and mulled over all the implications on my life, on your life, on all our lives. I have come to one conclusion.
Before Christ got to the Cross there was Love. Love poured out to His followers in many ways: teaching, compassionate acts, healing, bread and wine, washing filthy feet, and most of all: prayer.
So much love demonstrated to them. For us. To us.
The lyrics from Stuart Townend’s song that I posted four years ago still bring me to tears. How deep the Father’s Love for us, how vast beyond all measure…
Why is Good Friday Good?
Because of Love.
Of willing sacrifice.
Of suffering that I, that you, that we, will never have to endure in eternity future.
We are not without suffering here; the momentary “light affliction” that we go through in this very real 24/7 life we are living presently does have physical, emotional and sometimes spiritual suffering. But our eternity future has been secured by the extreme suffering Christ endured for us. We deserve separation from God because we broken, imperfect humans fall short of His holiness and perfection and miss the mark completely. But God…
Because of Love. Because of the willing sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered for our sin payment. Because of all the brutality He endured, His excruciating physical, emotional and spiritual pain.
We are free.
That’s why Good Friday is Good.
No matter how hard it is right this minute to deal with the pain your body is experiencing, Christ knows your pain and loves you in it.
No matter how dark the emotional fog of depression is right this minute, Christ knows your deep emotional pain and loves you in it.
No matter the wayward husband, the wayward child, the addiction, the shame, no matter.
He loves you right in it.
His death on the Cross over 2000 years ago wasn’t just a point in history to be remembered by theologians, Bible scholars and historians. His death makes all the difference for me. And it can make all the difference for you, too.
It’s still foolishness to those who don’t believe. To those who claim His sacrificial payment by faith in Jesus Christ, there is somber reflection on Good Friday and rejoicing and celebration at the remembrance of His resurrection this Sunday.
The question isn’t why. The question is Will you let the Love that motivated Good Friday be Good for you too?
Today I am linking up with Faith Barista over here.
Yes. Love has always been at the heart of everything. It is God’s very nature. He is love. Thanks for this.
Thanks so much for stopping by; your blogspot looks amazing! Hope you have a blessed weekend looking back to the Cross and forward to the Empty Tomb!
I to have struggled with this, the horrific death how could that be good. Then I realised and as i have wrote today, Jesus won victory over evil. It wasn’t about death it was about life.
I agree Sara! So counter intuitive and such a mystery.
Thank you , Lisa. I don’t reflect on the pain and suffering enough – too easily I go to Easter before the GOOD Friday. I like your “no matters…” and will forward it to two friends.
I think it’s our nature to want to skim over the hard things; to minimize suffering and maximize pleasure. I keep hearing the phrase “it was my sin that held Him there…” Thanks Sue for sharing here and with others.
Heard some lyrics the other day, something like this: “He took the nails and gave me the crown.” Even though He was looking for a different way, He obeyed to the death. He paid the price for my sin to show how valuable I am to Him! He relinquished control to God, His Father…”What You will.” I miss you, Lisa. Gonna start reading your blog. Can’t believe I haven’t already. love and hugs
Robbin your words are right on! Preach it Sister! Miss you too! Thanks for subscribing here; looking forward to your comments!
praying with you that all would find the “good” as they find HIM!
AMEN Sister! Thank you for joining me in prayer for all those in process–wait! That’s all of us! Hope you have a blessed reflection time and a joyous celebration of the empty tomb!