So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. John 19:16b–18
There is nothing about the events of this day that can be considered good.
Betrayal. Judas. Kiss. Soldiers. Chief Priests. Pharisees. Lanterns. Torches. Weapons. “I Am He.”
Overwhelmed. Sword. Ear. Healing. Arrest. High Priest. Annas. Courtyard. Peter. Denial. Denial. Denial.
Rooster. Mocking. Beating. Caiaphas. Pilate. “Are you the King of the Jews?” Herod. Contempt. Pilate. Not guilty. Barabbas. Released.
Jesus. Flogging. Crown of thorns. Purple robe. Beating. “Crucify him!” “Crucify him!” Cross. Simon of Cyrene. Golgotha.
Two criminals. “Remember me.” “Today . . . Paradise.” Sign. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” “Father, forgive them.”
Garments. Casting lots. Mary. Son. John. Mother. “I thirst.” Sponge. Sour wine. Darkness. “It is finished.” “I commit my spirit.”
Death. Curtain. Torn. Earthquake. Spear. Side. Blood. Water. Burial.
This is a day filled with horrendous events. And yet this day is called good. Often we hear it is called good because of what was accomplished for us by Jesus on the cross. And though this is true, the true meaning of the day’s name comes from the Middle English root of “good” as “holy” or “righteous.” This day is a holy day. The Friday of Holy Week.
Jesus Christ became the once for all sacrifice (Heb 7:27; 10:10), the Paschal Lamb (1 Cor 5:6–8), slain to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Eph 1:5–7; Heb 9:12–14). Our sins eliminated by the sacrifice of our Savior, covered by the blood of the Lamb. And that is good!
Prayer
Father, thank you for sending your one and only Son. Jesus, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. May we live our lives in ways that are worthy of that sacrifice.
Go To Dark Gethsemane
Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter's power;
your Redeemer's conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour;
turn not from his griefs away, learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
Follow to the judgment hall; view the Lord of life arraigned;
O the wormwood and gall! O the pangs his souls sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of him to bear the cross.
Calvary's mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at his feet,
mark the miracle of time, God's own sacrifice complete;
“It is finished!” hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.
James Montgomery, 1825