“But God commendeth (demonstrated) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:8

Today is recognized across our country and throughout most of the world as Good Friday, but few will give it much thought…much less pause and consider why it’s such a special day. Too many it’ll be just another holiday and good for a longer weekend, but other than that, it’ll just be another Friday. During these stressful times when many are engulfed with financial worries because of effects inflation, gas and food prices…while others are concerned over the loss of a job, or maybe just the fears about the future, some might be asking,

“What could possibly be so good about today, Friday, or any day for that matter?” Well, you and I know that no amount of problems this troubled world brings our way can ever change what happened on that first Good Friday! Good Today is a day of celebration because of what took place over 2,026 years ago on a hill called Mount Calvary. Our Savior suffered, bled and died on that cross for our sins and the sins of the entire world. Good Friday is a special day set aside for us to reflect upon Jesus’ death on the cross and what it means for us today! Think about Jesus’ death…

1. WHY HE DIED.

He died to pay our sin debt.  The Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). And “…the wages (payment) of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23). But thank the Lord, the Bible declares, “God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). In John 19:30 the Bible says that just before Jesus drew His final breath He cried out, “It is finished” (PAID IN FULL!).

If not for Good Friday, we would all be without hope because of our sin debt! What makes Good Friday so good? If we believe Jesus died for our sins and we put our faith where God put our sins, the cross, we become “sin” debt free! PTL! Imagine for a moment that someone offered to pay off all of your debts! Wouldn’t that be incredible? You would be grateful beyond words! But the eternal debt Jesus paid for our sins can’t even be compared to the material debt we could accumulate in a trillion lifetimes!

2. HOW HE DIED!

First, He died VOLUNTARILY. In John 10:17-18, the Bible says he laid down His life for us! He wasn’t forced to die! He wasn’t martyred or murdered. No one took His life. He willingly gave His life. No one has ever, nor will ever, die like Jesus died! He’s the only person who ever chose to die. You might ask, “Well, what about those who’ve sacrificed their lives to save others?

What about those who’ve chosen to give their lives for our country?” Many have willingly given their lives for others, and they should be remembered and admired for their great sacrifice. But the fact is they would have eventually had to die anyway. But Jesus didn’t have to come to this earth and die. He willingly came and suffered death, even the death of the cross!

2ndly, He died as a SUBSTITUTE. He didn’t just die for us. He died INSTEAD of us! He died in my place! He died in your place! I should have suffered and died for my own sins, but Jesus took my place! PTL!

And, lastly, He died VICTORIOUSLY! They took His lifeless body down from that cross and put it in a borrowed tomb, but praise God after three days, He arose! And God raising His Son from the dead is proof the payment He made on the cross for my sins and yours was accepted! What makes Good Friday so good? The victory that is ours because of the cross! You’re familiar with the acronym, “TGIF” …Thank God It’s Friday. But here’s a better one…” TGIGF” … Thank God It’s GOOD FRIDAY!

Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for His friends” (John 15:13). If you ever have any doubts about His love for you, pause and take a long look at the cross!

Think it over…

Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren.

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