Morning Devotional

April 9, 2004

"Good Friday, 2004" 

by Don Emmitte

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Then Pilate gave Jesus to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away. Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they crucified him. There were two others crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." (John 19:16-19 NLT).

Good Friday brings the season of Lent to its climax. The writers of the Gospels spare us from the gruesome details of the scene. Yet, there is enough to grasp the incredible sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. There were many words spoken at the cross, however those with the most meaning are those spoken by Jesus himself.

1.     The first words were those of forgiveness. As the Roman soldiers cruelly nailed him to the cross, Jesus prayed for them: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do…”

2.     Next in the midst of two thieves who had been caught and found guilty, also dying, Jesus speaks words of assurance to the one who expressed faith: Today you shall be with me in Paradise.” These are words of encouragement to us as well. They assure us that salvation comes through faith, not works.

3.     The third words of Jesus are words of care and compassion. Jesus looks from the cross to his mother and his beloved friend, John. He insures her future by giving him care over her.

4.     The fourth words are words of anguish and pain. During the hours of darkness as Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” we see the full weight of the sin of the world and its effect in his life. Though sinless, now accepting the full penalty for the sin of the world, Jesus is touched by hell itself!

5.     The fifth words were words of physical pain. Jesus softly cries, “I thirst.” Clearly the ordeal is coming to a close. Even the soldiers begin to realize the greatness of Jesus. The passer-bys and gawking crowds cannot help but be touched by the moment. An innocent man has been tortured and led to the cruelest of deaths. The goodness of Christ is now seen wrapped in his humanity.

6.     The sixth words are the words of triumph: It is finished!” Some may have heard these words as resignation, but they are the declaration of victory. All of the prophecies have been fulfilled, the Lamb of God has been offered for all mankind and now sin and death had been conquered for all time. Satan must have quaked as he heard these words!

7.     Last, we hear the words of fellowship. Jesus simply declares, “Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.” It is the expression of hope the world had waited for ever since Adam and Eve were thrust from the garden in their sin.

It almost seems strange to call this day “Good Friday.” Yet, when we realize what took place then on our behalf, it really was GOOD! Turn your thoughts to His gift of grace to you today.