If you know me, you’ve probably heard me say this before: ”What is a Good Friday for us was a gory Friday for Jesus.” We can celebrate Good Friday on this side of the resurrection of Jesus because it was a day of suffering, sacrifice, and surrender for a crucified King.
He experienced the weight of the cross, the pain of rejection and brutal torture, and the darkness of sin. All so that we could experience forgiveness, freedom, and restoration in our relationship with God our Father.
Isaiah 53:5 reminds us: “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins… and by His wounds we are healed.”
The cross was horrific and gory… but Jesus’ love intentional and resurrection glorious!
The cross was not the end of the story. The grave did not conquer Him. What looked like defeat was the great setup for the greatest victory in history. As we sit in the weight of Good Friday, let’s not rush past it because the depth of the cross helps us fully appreciate the power of the resurrection.
So today, we remember. We pause. We give thanks. And we prepare our hearts because Resurrection Sunday is coming — gory turns to glory, sorrow turns to joy, death is converted to life, and hope. Jesus didn’t lose His life… He gave His life.
Pastor Mike, Brennan, and myself will be teaching a message titled: Because He lives. Let’s carry these truths into our weekend — and come ready to celebrate the risen King!
