As I kid, I remember thinking there was nothing good about Good Friday. I wanted to fast forward to Easter—when Christ was alive again—and not focus on the pain he endured prior to his death on the cross. But I was literally surrounded by visual reminders. The Stations of the Cross ached across the walls they lined, guiding to the center of the church where Jesus hung, silent and lifeless.
Though these figures may have been disturbing for a kid, for adults they can compel us to reflect on Christ’s work on the cross. Jesus endured the full penalty of sin (death) on our behalf, and through this he provided humanity with a way out—a way for us to be reconciled to God. “It is finished,” Christ said, and with his death, the price for our sin was paid and our offenses were completely and utterly forgiven.
Good Friday is in fact the unfolding of the greatest love story ever told. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf all attest to his love for us. All that is necessary for us to be reconciled to God is to receive his gift of grace by faith.
Here are some thoughtful resources to help reason through the Resurrection and to guide one toward faith in Jesus:
“If Christ has not been Raised”
“Resurrection: What’s the Historical Evidence?” (episode from the Straight Thinking podcast)
“What Makes the Christian God Unique?”
Another great resource is Without a Doubt. In this book, philosopher/theologian Kenneth Richard Samples answers the 20 toughest questions that challenge the Christian faith. If you’re interested in receiving a free copy of this book, please mention the book in your comment. The first three people who mention this title will receive a free copy.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
-Sandra
April 1, 2010 at 11:20 am
Let’s reflect on life…Amen
April 1, 2010 at 11:24 am
Thanks for the comment, Hope. Did you want a copy of the book? Just say yes and it’s yours. (I’ll email you for details.)
April 1, 2010 at 11:32 am
I want one!
April 1, 2010 at 11:43 am
Good Post!!
I would like a book also.
-Chuck
April 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
Excellent post, Sandra. Let’s all reflect on our sin and what Christ did to save us from the wrath of God.
April 5, 2010 at 9:54 am
Hello there, Happy Easter!
April 6, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Hi!
Have you heard Rob Bell’s perspective on the importance of Good Friday? I don’t read much of his stuff, but he says before we can get to the celebration of Sunday (the resurrection), we must experience the sorrow, pain, and confusion of Friday. It is through this reflection that we remember and live out the significance of the whole Crucifixion.
Thank you so much for your posts!! I really enjoy reading them.
If you still have copies of Without a Doubt, I would love to read it.
April 7, 2010 at 7:33 am
I haven’t read Rob Bell’s perspective but I agree with his point. Remembering the sorrow of Good Friday can help us to live each day with a deep sense of gratitude for Christ’s work on the cross.
And, yes, we have one last copy available and it’s yours! =D
February 24, 2012 at 9:33 am
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