It’s Good Friday, the day we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? What’s the meaning of Good Friday anyway?

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right. (Romans 5:18-19, MSG)

We are all sinners and we needed someone to get us out of trouble with sin and death. We could not and can not do it ourselves. So God became one of us to redeem us. That’s why it was essential that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus became the bridge back to God.

Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it. (Gal 3:13-14, MSG)

Because of Christ we are able to receive life and more life by believing in Jesus.
Because of Christ we are able to receive grace upon grace by believing in Jesus.
Because of Christ we are able to receive joy upon joy by believing in Jesus.

Good Friday changed everything. The world has not been the same ever since.

Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit. (John 19:30, MSG)

Jesus did what had to be done for our salvation. It’s done, it’s complete. There’s nothing we can add to that. We are saved by grace that is complete. Jesus offered up his life for you and me. How do you respond? Do you receive God’s gift? Do you say yes to Jesus?

 

Gracious God,
We are so astonished by your amazing love!
You gave your only son to die for us.
He suffered for us, carried all our sins
so we could be united with you.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
And we say YES to Jesus.
We believe.
We receive.
We rejoice.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen

Q4U: What does Good Friday mean to you?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you commemorate the crucifixion and say yes to Jesus!

Image courtesy of Kevin Carden. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursday, Faith-filled Fridays.