Good Friday

I've just read through Luke 23:26-56. These are verses that detail the path of Jesus to the cross and the details of His crucifixion. This passage begins by mentioning the seizing of "Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid a cross on him to carry  behind Jesus." Can you imagine coming in from outside of town, seeing all of the commotion happening and suddenly finding yourself in the middle of the action? Had Simon known of the accusations against Jesus? Had he heard of His miracles or was he someone who did not believe in the righteousness of Christ? How would your life have changed from that moment on had you been the one asked to carry Jesus' cross?

I love that Jesus, in His pain and suffering, takes the time to address the women following behind Him in mourning. I assume these were many of the same women who had played vital roles in His ministry. Was one of them the woman healed of her issue of blood? What pain must she have felt at seeing the one who healed her being led to slaughter? What about the woman caught in adultery? The one who found no condemnation in her was now the one being condemned. What about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Had she known all along that this is how His life would end? The scene in the Passion of the Christ that shows Mary having flashbacks of Jesus as a little boy wrecks me every time I see it! Can anyone who is a mother look at her child and imagine how it would feel to see your innocent, miracle child treated in such a way?

The words of the two criminals crucified with Christ are perfect examples of the same attitudes towards Jesus we see in the world today. There are those who will mock His deity and say that if He's so great, then why is the world such a mess. Why do bad things happen? If Jesus and God are so loving, then why is there evil in the world today? And then there are those of us who believe in Jesus as the son of God and all we ask is to be remembered by Jesus when He is in His kingdom. The assurance Jesus provided to this criminal is the same he provides to us. Although we are guilty and worthy of death, He assures us of eternal life with Him because we believe.

When Jesus breathed His last breath, after hours of mid-day darkness, all the people watching realized their mistake in crucifying Him. The centurion even made a statement of acknowledging His righteousness. The crowds ran away beating their chests, while the women who had been following Jesus all along remained. This death 2,000 years ago is a warning for everyone who has lived through the centuries. When the hour of Christ's return comes, don't be left unbelieving and running away beating your chest in remorse. Be like those who loved and followed Jesus. Stay with Him.

Can you imagine if the story ended here? What if the story ended with details of Jesus' burial in a donated tomb and that was the end of the story? We have the benefit of knowing that was not the end, but only the beginning. We must never forget that Jesus did not stay on the cross (as so many times we see Him portrayed), nor did He remain in the grave. Take some time today to reflect on the agony and pain Jesus endured for us. Not just during His crucifixion, but also during the 3 days of death He spent in hell so you would not have to spend a single day there. Read through the account of His crucifixion in your bible. There are several books that contain the details. Read them all. I pray as you do read them that God would move in your heart and the presence of the Holy Spirit will surround your home today and throughout the victorious weekend!