Today is known as Good Friday, but what is it really that makes Good Friday so good? After all, isn't today the day we remember Jesus' sufferings, beginning with his betrayal by a close friend for money, and then being abandoned by those closest to him during his time of greatest need the night before? After that he was cruelly insulted, mocked and beaten before being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit. He was publicly sentenced to death, though he in truth had done only good his entire life, and then died a slow, painful death while feeling forsaken by God.
What is so good about that?
If the story ended here, the answer would be nothing at all. Then Saturday came, and brought with it only more fear and confusion for Jesus' followers. And then Sunday came. On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, just as he had said he would. (John 2:19) God vindicated his Son with the ultimate display of victory, defeating death itself once for all who would believe in him.
Good Friday in and of itself was a dark and difficult day, but at the end of the day it was mission accomplished. Father God sent his Son Jesus into the world not to be pampered and served, but to serve and to ultimately give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Take some time today to ponder Christ's sacrifice for you, and thank Him for everything He went through in order to give you free access to a healthy and loving relationship with God.
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