Today we celebrate Good Friday. Where we focus on the cross, more specifically when Jesus died for our sins. Now, let’s begin. Jesus carried his cross up to a hill called Golgotha. This is where He was nailed upon the cross and then raised up to suffer and die for our sins. There were two others that were crucified on each side of him. Truly, the king of the Jews had been led away captive. It is written, “and he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” (John 19:17-22)
Jesus hung, while suffering on the cross, having his clothes stripped off his body. People then took up lots in order to gain access to specific parts of his garments. There was in his midst his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene, John, and others. Where were the rest of his disciples on this sad and important day in history? John continued and wrote, “then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:23-23)
Jesus’s last words before taking his last breath. John wrote, “when Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:26-30) When Jesus said, it is finished, it means that he suffered for our sins and his work is finished. Through Jesus’s death on the cross, the sins of the world have been paid. What does this mean to us? Every person who would call upon the name of Jesus shall be saved. His blood will cover them and they will be sanctified. God hears our prayers and his mercy for our souls. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for suffering and dying for my sins on the cross. You took it upon Yourself to pay the debt that I was incapable of paying on my own. This You did as a willing lamb going to the slaughter. Thank You, Jesus. How can I repay You? This gift is the greatest of all. To know that Your blood has covered me and that I am made clean is the best feeling ever. If You had not done this then I would be left broken in my shame. Thankfully, You didn’t give up on me but came to my rescue. I had many restless nights just thinking about everything I had done and how evil it was in Your sight. I felt forsaken and lost in these dark hours. I was wretched not knowing where to go, but then You came and heard my cries. I called upon Your name, Jesus, in all my confessions, knowing that I was incapable of changing on my own. You were the only person who could turn a sinner like me to live for You. And You did take my hand. I was brought out of the darkness and into Your light. There is rest now, for You are with me. I love You, Jesus. You are my Savior and my God. Amen.
