Good Friday

Read Matthew 27 and it hardly seems good. It’s a story of rejection, violence, injustice, and suffering. What could possibly be good about any of that? The story of Good Friday becomes good in two ways:

In light of what was accomplished: Through the crucifixion Jesus accomplished His mission. He forgave sin, He made a way back to God for all people, He set an example, and He gave hope to the world. Those are good things that were accomplished through a difficult thing.

Later the Apostle Paul will write this to the Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8.

No one should be advocating that suffering is good. That is insane. Instead, something good can be accomplished through suffering. Have you ever experienced that before? A healed relationship, strengthened character, increased faith that came through a hardship. That is a good thing and happens to be God’s specialty. Good Friday teaches us that truth.

In light of the resurrection: Good Friday becomes good because of what happens three days later. In light of victory and in light of resurrection the sting of death loses, well, it loses its sting.

Listen to the Apostle Paul again, “Therefore we do not lose hope. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Corinthians 4.

Light and momentary troubles? Who would describe Paul’s persecution as light and momentary? It only makes sense in light of the resurrection. The resurrection teaches us that God is not done yet and there is more life to come. That’s true in this life and its definitely true in the next. Remember this Good Friday: resurrection, victory, and life are on the way! Let that truth change the way you view suffering and hardship.