“Today is Good Friday, a day when we remember the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s ironic to call it “Good Friday” considering the incredibly violent way He died – enduring immense pain, suffering, mockery, scourging, and so much more.
Historically, methods of execution have often been designed to minimise pain. In India, criminals are hanged; in Western countries, electric chairs were once used for that purpose. However, two thousand years ago, the Romans crucified criminals. This practice wasn’t originally Roman; it began in Persia and was later adopted by the Carthaginians. The Romans refined the method, reserving crucifixion primarily for non-citizens – criminals or those opposing Roman rule. A Roman citizen wouldn’t be crucified unless they committed treason against the emperor.
The word “excruciating,” meaning unbearable pain, comes from the experience of crucifixion itself. Imagine a person nailed to a cross through their hands and feet, left there to die; some have lingered on the cross for eight days. It’s almost impossible to truly comprehend the horrors of such a death.
Lord Jesus Christ is God – He was God, He is God. He could have chosen any time in history to come into this world, but He chose that specific moment to demonstrate that “the wages of sin is death.” Our Lord willingly chose crucifixion to illustrate the true nature of sin: it’s an act of rebellion against God, a rejection of His ways. When we sin, we essentially tell God we don’t like Him or want to follow His plan, bringing pain to His heart and incurring His wrath.
Through his death on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself that divine wrath, our punishment, and our judgment. Galatians 3:13 states, “Cursed is everyone who hangs from a tree.” He bore this curse meant for us, taking the judgment that should have fallen upon us. His death became our death. Without Him, we would be eternally separated from God – condemned to hell.
But Jesus took all of that punishment on our behalf: for me, for you, for every person who has ever lived and will live. That’s why we call it Good Friday – the punishment I deserved, He willingly accepted. He took the blow for my sins, standing in my place. Now, when I put my trust in Jesus Christ, my sin is placed upon Him, and He bears the consequences. Furthermore, His righteousness is credited to me – a concept known as the doctrine of double imputation, found in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For he made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God in him.”
So today, we celebrate Good Friday with gratitude and adoration for our Lord Jesus Christ. We are now free from the bondage of sin and the power of the devil. And as those who have been freed, we willingly submit ourselves to God out of love.
Good Friday wasn’t a good day for Jesus Christ, but it was profoundly good for us, because our sins were taken away, death has been abolished, and sin is defeated. Today, anyone who believes in Lord Jesus Christ has their sins forgiven and no longer needs to fear death. We become united with Him in His victory. Let’s praise God and worship Him! May God bless you.”
