Good Friday!

For Friday, March 29, 2024:

Mark 15:39 NLT: “When the Roman centurion who stood facing Jesus heard his cry and saw how he had died, he exclaimed, ‘This man truly was the Son of God!’”

Today we celebrate Good Friday, honoring the day our Savior was mocked, beaten and murdered. He gave it all for mankind, so our sins could be forgiven – blotted out, wiped away, as if sin had never occurred. And now sinless, we could join the heavenly multitude. Remember, God’s desire is that all would repent and return, and join him in the hereafter.

On the cross, Jesus shouted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Enough had gone wrong and Jesus was about to die! It’s easy to understand Jesus’ perception that God had removed his hand of protection from his Son. But God had not abandoned him.

All the sins of the world had been piled on Jesus, and he was to take sin to Sheol, the place of the dead, thereby leaving believers pure and innocent, suitable to take up residence with God Almighty! From Sheol, Jesus would be resurrected, given a life after this life, and eventually ascend into heaven. God had not abandoned his Son! Sin and death were conquered at the same time! Our job is to accept the grace of God, to accept the forgiveness, the new life, and have faith that Jesus’ promises to us are true!

I’m always amazed at the speed with which these events took place. It all started after supper on Thursday night, and ended at 3pm on Friday, not even 24 hours! It must have been a whirlwind of activity. Six trials, the beatings and mocking, then up the hill, on the cross and Jesus soon gave up his spirit.

Jesus’ body would need to be taken down quickly, as Shabbat started at sundown, and then no more work could be done.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship