Introduction
Friday of Holy Week, often known as Good Friday, is the most solemn and sacred day in the Christian faith. It is the day when LOVE hung on a cross, when the innocent suffered the sins of the guilty, and when God’s justice and mercy came together in one place. It was a day when darkness appeared to reign, but salvation was being accomplished. To stand before the cross is to witness the most profound revelation of God’s heart. Friday event encourages us to slow down, turn off the noise, and let the weight of Christ’s sacrifice soak deeply into our souls.
The Cross Reveals the Depth of God’s Love (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 15:13)
The Cross revealed God’s love more plainly. It revealed that Jesus did more than just talk about love; He exhibited it through blood, sweat, and sacrifice. It is not emotional, but sacrificial love. It is not determined by our worthiness, but it was demonstrated at our lowest point in life. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Jesus took on our sin, shame, and judgment and carried it to the cross. He bore the cost of our guilt. “Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering… the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6
The cross symbolises both the gravity of sin and the gravity of God’s mercy. Our freedom was purchased at a significantly higher cost than we generally realise.
Despite His death on the cross, Jesus demonstrated forgiveness. ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ Luke 23:34 This demonstrates that Jesus not only taught forgiveness, but also modelled it when it hurt the most, proving that forgiveness is at the heart of the cross. Jesus forgives in His suffering, intercedes in anguish, and displays mercy in the face of injustice. Additionally, the Cross also shows that when Jesus intervenes in a situation, all hope is not lost. One of the thieves crucified with Jesus got last-minute hope when Jesus assured him, “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” after he implored Jesus to ‘remember him.’ Luke 23:39-43
This demonstrates that no one is too broken, sinful, late, or far gone for grace. The cross provides hope for the worst and the least among us.
The Cross also demonstrates that Jesus was completely human when, in pain, He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 He suffered separation from His father so that we could be reconciled with our God. He bore the burden of abandonment so that we could be loved. The cross serves as a bridge between God and us. Jesus took our place so that we could have His.
When Jesus exclaimed, “It Is Finished” (John 19:30), it showed that the victory was accomplished. He has finished the work of salvation, paid the price for our sin, and redemption is complete. We do not earn our salvation; we do not strive for God’s acceptance. We don’t live in shame because Jesus paid for everything. It is finished. With His death, Jesus granted us access to God’s presence. We can approach God with boldness, freedom, and confidence because of the Cross; what a wonderful sacrifice.
Hallelujah!!!
Will you pause today to praise Jesus for the gift of salvation?