What's So Good About It?

As I sat in church this Sunday, I listened as my pastor spoke about Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. It’s referred to as such, because this is the week that Jesus made his way into Jerusalem and was crucified, only to raise from the dead and ascend into heaven acting as a sacrificial lamb for all to follow.

Each day of the week is recognized between Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Something that caught my ear in this week’s sermon was “Good Friday”. This is the day Jesus died a horrible and painful death. So, what’s so good about it? Arguably, this could be the worst Friday in history, but our God is so amazing because three days later, we find out why it, indeed, was such a GOOD Friday. It was good because the Sunday following, our Lord and Savior ascended into heaven on our behalf. His blood was shed and his life given, for you and for me. He knew death was around the corner as he headed into Jerusalem. He knew friends would betray him. But he also knew that he was the son of an amazing Creator who would give him life once more and allow the same for any sinner thereafter.

Easter has become quite the commercial holiday experience. It’s sad, really, all the chocolate, eggs, bunnies, frilly dresses and suits, none of which clearly proclaim the day’s full value. Let us be reminded just how much was lost that Friday and then gained the Sunday after. We have no reason to think we belong in or deserve heaven without Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Remember the love, the mercy and the grace that has been afforded to you…because of Him.

As we approach the worst Friday in history, be reminded why it is, in fact, a GREAT Friday.

Thank Jesus for your many blessings, but most importantly, thank Him for His sacrifice. He didn’t have to die for us. In fact, we should have to face the penalties of our own sin, but because of Him, we don’t. He could have ran out of Jerusalem and never looked back, but He didn’t. He suffered, hung, and died on that cross for us. Let us be reminded.  

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne” Revelation 5:6