Today is Good Friday. I have always found the name somewhat ironic. It was on this day, nearly 2,000 years ago, that Jesus was beaten beyond recognition, forced to carry his own cross until he could carry it no further, and was murdered on that cross while wearing a crown of thorns on his head. This man, God in the flesh, murdered in the most brutal way… for me. And for you.
It’s hard to see that this is good unless you are able to grasp the significance of these events. Without Good Friday, we wouldn’t have Easter Sunday! Without Good Friday, the sacrifice necessary to cover the debt of my sins would not have been paid. On the cross, Jesus took our place and, on Easter Sunday, he defeated death! He rose from the grave and made it possible for you and me to experience new life!
In John 14, Jesus tells us:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
— John 14:6
These are bold words, but they are words that we can celebrate today, because Jesus’ death and resurrection paved the way, not only for believers to have security in knowing that we will be with God in eternity, but also that we can truly live in freedom today!
Last Sunday, our pastors spoke out of John 6. Part of that passage is below:
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will rise him up on the last day.”
— John 6:36-40
Jesus is our provision. He cares for our physical and emotional needs.
Jesus is our security. Whoever comes to him will not be cast out. (Even when we mess up!)
Jesus’ love is sacrificial. Not only did he die for us, he walked on this Earth in the flesh. And we all know that this life isn’t an easy one. He left the comfort and perfection of heaven to walk in our shoes.
Jesus is our example. His love is sacrificial, and he seeks to honor God in all that he does.
Jesus is our salvation. Everyone who believes will have eternal life.
Today is truly a Good Friday, because the events of today change everything for you and me.
If you don’t know Jesus, or would like to know more about the significance of Easter, there is nothing more we would rather do than talk with you! Feel free to email info@clifec.com or email me directly at jennifer@246counseling.com with any questions.