The Day Love Was Crucified
Good Friday is a solemn day. It
is the day when we stand in awe at the foot of the cross and witness the
suffering of the One who knew no sin. It is not a celebration but a holy
contemplation of what Jesus endured for the sake of our salvation. On this day,
love was crucified so that we might live.
1. The Suffering Servant
Foretold (Isaiah 52:13–53:12)
The prophet Isaiah describes a
Servant who will suffer and be rejected but ultimately bring healing and
redemption to many.
Key Themes:
- Despised and Rejected (53:3): Jesus was not
esteemed or honored by humanity.
- Wounded for Our Transgressions (53:5): His
suffering was substitutionary. He took our punishment.
- Silent Before His Accusers (53:7): Jesus did
not retaliate or defend Himself.
- God's Will and Triumph (53:10-12): Though it
pleased the Lord to crush Him, the Servant will see the light of life and
be exalted.
Application: Reflect on
the depth of God’s love shown through this willing suffering. How does this
prophecy shape your understanding of Jesus’ mission?
2. The Cry of the Suffering
King (Psalm 22)
This psalm begins with a cry of
abandonment and ends in hope and praise. Jesus quoted the opening line on the
cross: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"
Key Themes:
- Abandonment: Jesus truly felt the separation
that sin causes between humanity and God.
- Mockery and Scorn (v.7-8): Fulfilled in the
Gospels as onlookers taunted Him.
- Pierced Hands and Feet (v.16): A clear
foreshadowing of crucifixion.
- Hope in God’s Deliverance: The psalm ends in
trust and future proclamation.
Application: In our
moments of despair or suffering, we can cry out to God knowing that even Jesus
experienced such pain.
3. A New and Living Way
(Hebrews 10:16-25 / 4:14-16; 5:7-9)
The epistle to the Hebrews
explains how Jesus, as our great High Priest, opened a new way to God through
His sacrifice.
Key Themes:
- Access to God: Through Jesus' blood, we can
draw near with confidence.
- Perfect Obedience: Jesus learned obedience
through suffering.
- Encouragement: We are urged to hold fast to
hope and encourage one another.
Application: Because of
the cross, we now have bold access to the Father. Are we drawing near in prayer
and worship? Are we holding fast to faith?
4. The Passion of Our Lord
(John 18:1–19:42)
The Gospel of John gives us a
detailed and majestic account of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and
burial.
Key Scenes:
- The Arrest (18:1-11): Jesus, knowing all
that would happen, steps forward willingly.
- Peter’s Denial (18:15-27): Human failure
meets divine grace.
- The Trial (18:28-19:16): Pilate's questions
and crowd's rejection reveal the injustice Jesus endured.
- The Crucifixion (19:17-30): Jesus declares,
"It is finished."
- The Burial (19:31-42): Fulfillment of
prophecy in every detail.
Key Themes:
- Willing Sacrifice: Jesus was in control
throughout, fulfilling Scripture.
- Complete Redemption: The cross was not a
tragedy; it was the plan of salvation accomplished.
- Love in Full Measure: Jesus bore our sin so
we might be free.
Application: Are we moved
by the love and obedience of Christ? Will we live lives that reflect the weight
of the price paid for us?
Conclusion: Embracing the
Cross
On this Good Friday, we are not
merely observers of a historical tragedy. We are the recipients of divine
mercy. The cross is where justice met mercy, where sin was defeated, and where
love triumphed.
Reflection Questions:
- What does the cross mean to me personally?
- How should Jesus’ sacrifice change the way I live?
- Am I willing to take up my cross and follow Him?
Prayer: "Lord Jesus,
today we remember Your suffering and Your love. Thank You for enduring the
cross to save us. Help us to live in the shadow of the cross, surrendered,
grateful, and faithful. Amen."
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