Good Friday

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24 NIV).

A group of women were gathered in a small room to hear a Bible story.  As they listened, they heard for the first time how Jesus was beaten and mocked, how His head was bloodied with a crown of thorns, how He was forced to carry a heavy cross, how He asked for a drink and was offered vinegar on a sponge, how He gave His life that day.  Their faces showed that they understood the agony of the suffering Jesus endured on the cross.  Then the storyteller posed a question: “Why do you think we call this day ‘Good Friday?’”

Several women commented, but no one could explain the reason that the day of Jesus’ horrific suffering could possibly be called good.  One woman was so intrigued that she discussed the Bible story with her family at dinner that night.  She went to her computer to search for the meaning of Good Friday.  She printed an answer, brought it back to the group of women, and reported, “Good Friday is the day on which Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  And that is good for us.”

This woman had begun to grasp the meaning of God’s generosity to us.  The Father sent His only Son to live among us, a sinless life, and to die for us, who are undeserving of His grace.  Peter tells us that Jesus did not protest his cruel punishment: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats” (I Peter 2:23).  Jesus willingly gave up His life for our good.  He willingly died so that we might join Him in experiencing a new and joyful life.  He suffered so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.  He died so we can be healed and walk in relationship with God.

So how is Good Friday “good” for you?

Carol C. and her husband have been married for 50 years.  She is a proud mother and grandmother, as well as a teacher and author.  For more about the freedom we can experience because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, check out Galatians: Freedom in Christ. You can listen to any of our Bible studies by tuning in to your favorite radio station, listening to our podcast on iTunes, or listening through TuneIn or Stitcher online radio.