03/29/2024
I'm soooo Amazed when I can't say an unbeliever but one who hasn't been introduced to the gospel has questions about Christ so today had a conversation with 3 young men who wondered what does Good Friday mean. And one who's vaguely heard said well from what I heard why would you call it Good Friday. So to make it so simple this is what I shared and they were blessed so I pray that this blesses you as well.
As Always Let the Bishop Speak
Picture courtesy of Bishop's Urban Ink Studio's
The Paradox of Good Friday: Finding Redemption in the Brutality
On this solemn day of Good Friday, we are faced with a paradoxical question:
Why do we refer to a day marked by such brutality and suffering as "good"? It is a day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and yet, in the midst of unimaginable pain, we find the ultimate expression of and redemption.
Let's furthermore explore the significance of Good Friday and why it is truly a day to be called good.
Good Friday is the day when Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross for the sins of humanity.
It is a day when the weight of sin and the brokenness of the world were placed upon His shoulders.
The brutality of the crucifixion was a necessary part of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself.
Scripture tells us in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The crucifixion, as brutal as it was, serves as a powerful reminder of the depths of God's love for us. It is on this day that we witness the ultimate act of selflessness and redemption.
The brutality of Good Friday is inextricably linked to the redemption of humanity.
It is through the shedding of Jesus' precious blood on the cross that we find forgiveness and salvation.
In Ephesians 1:7, it is written, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
The crucifixion serves as a vivid illustration of the cost required to redeem us from the power of sin.
is a reminder that our salvation is not earned through our own efforts or good works, but rather through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
As John 3:16 proclaims, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
While Good Friday is a day of somber reflection, it is also a day of hope. In the midst of the darkness and despair, there is the promise of resurrection.
The crucifixion of Jesus was not the end of the story; it was the necessary precursor to the joy of Easter Sunday.
In Matthew 27:50-54, we read about the moment of Jesus' death on the cross. It says, "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open."
These extraordinary events signify the victory that Jesus achieved through His sacrifice.
Good Friday is a turning point in history, where darkness and death are overcome by light and life.
is a day that reminds us that even in the midst of suffering, there is hope and the promise of new life.
Conclusion:
Good Friday, despite its brutal nature, is a day that is truly worthy of being called "good." It is a day when we witness the depth of God's love for humanity, as He willingly bore the weight of our sins on the cross. It is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we find redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life.
As we reflect on the significance of Good Friday, let us be reminded of the immense love and grace extended to us through Jesus' sacrifice.
May this day serve as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love for us all.
In His Service,
Bishop Darrell L. Sutton
