Good Friday - Jesus Dies

Goes along with Adult Devotion of the same title.

Jesus’s final words on the cross were a victory cry.

Read John 18:1-19:42.

Bible Focus: “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” -John 19:30

The lectionary reading for Good Friday is 82 verses long. Here are the highlights:

• Jesus is betrayed by his friend Judas.

• Jesus is arrested.

• Peter denies even knowing Jesus.

• Jesus is beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers.

• Jesus is crucified next to criminals.

• Jesus dies.

• Jesus’s body is buried.

And yet, today is called “Good” Friday. Can you imagine a worse Friday? You’d think today would be called “Terrible” Friday or “Disastrous” Friday. After all, the innocent Son of God was killed and his lifeless body was placed in a tomb. What’s so good about that?

Jesus’s last words on the cross were, “It is finished.” It sounds like something ordinary you’d say at the end of a game or an assignment. For Jesus, it was more like a victory cry!

Although Good Friday was not fun for Jesus, he had it all planned out, down to every last detail. He knew exactly what was needed to save us from our sins, and that’s what he did. He loved us so much that he chose to go through Good Friday for us. It wasn’t terrible or disastrous - it was good, amazing, stupendous!

We could also call Good Friday “Just-Wait” Friday. After all, Friday wasn’t the end of the story. Sunday was coming, when Jesus would rise again from the dead! 

Your Good Friday challenge:

Choose your own descriptive word for “Good” Friday.

Please pray:

Dear Jesus, I praise you for your victory on Good Friday. I confess that you were on the cross to pay for my sins. I thank you for choosing to die for me. I ask that you continue to forgive and help me. In your name I pray, Amen.