Good "Sad" Friday

On that Friday, they hung Jesus on a cross and he died. For those who love Jesus, that is very sad. We know that a miracle would happen but those who placed his body in a tomb did not know. It was a very sad day for them. When I think of Good Friday, it is sad to think of what Jesus went through. And to think He went through that for me and for you makes me feel bad.

Have you wondered why this tough Friday is called, “Good Friday”? The reality is there was plenty of good on that sad Friday. While His crucifixion was not good, the results were good. The Bible tells us this is good news in verse 2 NLT, “It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you.” And more good news! When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He lives inside of us! Romans 8: 11, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” This is great news because we all need Jesus. Hebrews 4: 16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” God used something very, very sad for something very, very good! Just like He still does.

Mark 8: 34, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” After giving my life to Christ, I was asked, “what do you plan to do about it”. I remember answering that I wanted to be a disciple for Christ. This was very hard for me when I knew God was pushing me in a direction that I did not want to go. But I told Him I would, only, for Him. That was my cross and is still my cross to bear. But I have learned, after 30 years, that I can confront this and bear it in His name. When He came to earth He shared human suffering so He understands what we go through. After we go through the suffering we are transformed into something new! Taking up our cross means Jesus has become more precious to us than our comfort.

What did Jesus do with his cross? He carried it to Calvary where He was crucified. He is telling us to carry our cross to Calvary, to die to ourselves and follow Him at any price. Take up your cross!