I REMEMBER

being confused by something that stood out to me as I was gradually exposed to more and more of the truths of the Christian faith. I was young and had not been regular in attendance at our neighborhood church, therefore much of what I was learning was pretty new to me. A medical crisis (polio) in our family, had resulted in my parents’ turning to Christ and to the church for solace. This, in turn, caused me to attend the church and to be confronted by Christianity and her beliefs. Among the things that were puzzling to me was the way so many were identifying the day of Christ’s death –“Good Friday!” -- how could that day be deemed “good?” The more I learned about the agony of the Crucifixion, the more perplexed I became. The excruciating pain and the length of time involved in this death sentence seemed to deny anything “good” to my mind. “Crucifixion” and “good” were nowhere near to being compatible –until I gave some more serious thought to the matter. I encourage you ponder this crucial subject with me.

First, consider how Jesus viewed the Cross. It appears that His distress -- as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane -- would negate any thoughts of “good” – hear His words: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me.” He was in such torment that His capillaries were bursting and the Lord was sweating drops of blood. Not good! However, words from the book of Hebrews give evidence that Jesus did see “good” coming from Golgotha. The writer of that portion of Scripture says of Jesus, “Who for the JOY set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame.” (Heb. 12:2). “Joy” and “good” do seem to belong together.

His disciples would not have considered Friday, the day of Christ’s death, “good” until a couple of days later. What we call “Good Friday” was a day of the deepest despair for these followers. It was so disheartening that they lost all hope and went into hiding for fear that they might be put to death, too. Things were altogether different when Easter came and then “the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”

If Jesus and His disciples were able to find good in the events that took place on Good Friday, perhaps we should take a closer look. Would you agree that something could be considered “good” if it resulted in great benefit to others? Well, what profit is derived from what happened that day? The death of Jesus was the price that had to be paid for sin – sin caused His death on the Cross. However, Jesus never sinned, so why did He die? He died because He gave His life to pay for the sins of those who would put their faith in Him. For all who trust Jesus as their Savior, that Friday is better than good!

It can also be deemed good in that it demonstrates so clearly the love of God for us. Our Father gave up His Son in order to atone for our sins. I do not know any parents who would sacrifice their child for sinners who were in rebellion against them. Such love is more than I can comprehend, and since He loved enough to willingly give His Son as an atonement for our sins, we can trust Him to demonstrate that Fatherly love in many other ways.

Lastly, the joy that is ours on Easter would never be possible but for Good Friday. Easter and the Resurrection are God’s affirmation that the death of Jesus was sufficient as payment for the sins of the world. (Rom.1:4)

So, when we celebrate the Resurrection on Easter morning, let us do so with thanksgiving and praise to God for all He accomplished on Good Friday!

article by PAUL LIPE opinion expressed is that of the writer