Recently in one of my youth services I was asked by a teenager why we celebrate Good Friday, as this was the day that Christ died on the cross, something that many consider a sad event. (see note) I'll even admit, when I watch the Passion of the Christ, which emphasizes the last day of Jesus' life and is very graphic in showing what he went through during his crucifixion, I am saddened and sometimes have to turn my head away. It is very hard to watch and it's hard to think that something so horrible could be done to someone so perfect, the spotless lamb, the Lamb of God.
The Bible doesn't instruct us to remember Jesus' death by one day but to honor his death by observing the Lord's Supper. This is usually done by breaking bread and drinking wine (or grape juice). The meaning behind it is to remember his death through the breaking of the bread, his body, which was broken for us, and the drinking of the wine or juice, his blood, which was shed for us. All churches do this differently and at different times, but the point is to do it in remembrance of him. To honor his death on the cross, his sacrifice for us, a sacrifice that we didn't deserve. It was freely given. I believe we should die spiritually everyday in order for God to cleanse us of our sins, to pick up and bear our own crosses so to speak.
So, why do we celebrate his death on Good Friday? I believe we celebrate it as "Good" Friday because out of his death comes good. Out of his death and resurrection comes life and salvation. We celebrate Resurrection "Easter" Sunday because it represents Jesus' victory over death and the grave. His ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We no longer need to sacrifice animals in order to be cleansed of our sins. He paid the price, the ultimate price, and through this payment we freely live. He was the ultimate spotless Lamb, the Lamb of God. I believe that is why we celebrate Good Friday. Because out of this sacrificial act, this laying his life down for us, brings about so much good. Yes, it's saddening to think about his death, but his death was not eternal, he conquered the grave and claimed victory over sin in his resurrection. A victory we now have because of his sacrificial act. Thank God for sending his son to die on the cross for our sins. I will celebrate Good Friday in remembering what a great sacrificial act Jesus' made for me.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
If you don't know Jesus and you'd like to know him, don't hesitate to ask or seek his salvation. This Sunday we will be celebrating his resurrection at Beltline Christian Center in Alton, IL. Come, join us in this celebration of salvation.
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*The actual day is debated but Mark 15:42 talks about the day of the crucifixion being on the day before the Sabbath which would have been Saturday, so we assume that it is Friday
