The Goodness of Good Friday

[28] After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” [29] A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. [30] When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30 ESV) 

The goodness of Good Friday does not lie in the goodness of the despicable act of Jesus’ crucifixion on that most horrific Friday almost 2,000 years ago. The thorns that pierced his brow, the whips that tore the flesh of back into a lacerated, quivering mess, and the nails that pierced his hands were evil deeds committed against the most innocent man in the history of the world. The goodness of Good Friday, however, lies in the ultimate good that God accomplished through the most heinous and scandalous act of sin known to man. That which man intended for evil, God used for good—and Good Friday was indeed, good. On the cross, Jesus finished the work that the Father had sent him to do. On the cross, Christ bore the penalty of sin—our sin, not in part but the whole. And on the cross, he ransomed you and I from the power of sin and death so that we might never have to taste the wrath of God, but only his abundant grace, love and mercy.  

Christian brothers and sisters, let us rejoice this Easter at the infinite good that God brings out of despicable and horrendous circumstances. Though you may feel burdened beyond your abilities and despairing of life itself and even forsaken by God, remember the words of Jesus! “It is finished!” The only thing that is forsaken—is your sin, not you! For the One who promised never to leave you or forsake you is also the One who has removed your sin from you as far as the east is from the west. And though you suffer now and will die when your days are complete, you will not remain in the grave. Your sin shall lie forever in the grave, but you will rise to new, resurrection life, to greet our precious Lord and Savior. And in that day, our joy will be complete. 

There is no crown without the cross. There is no reward without the race. There is no resurrection without death. And there is no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. Rejoice, brothers and sisters, for Good Friday is good indeed and look to the One who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  

The Son of God for sinners bled, 

A crown of thorns upon his head, 

The weight of sin my Savior bore 

And opened wide Salvation’s door. 

It is finished! It is finished! 

Christ has paid for all my sin! 

Hallelujah! Praise the Savior! 

Jesus blood has pardoned me. 

Written by: Samuel Chua