It is good Friday and I just had a thought.
This day represents the day that Jesus died on the cross. But, it was not the soft, controlled, death that we sometimes picture. It was a gruesome death that was so brutal and savage, I can barely fathom. Part of me wants to visit that place mentally and imagine what he went through. Perhaps if I could do that, I would not take it for granted.
But, a large part of me does not want to even think about that. I would rather skip to the resurrection. Full of light. Full of life. Full of meaning.
But, without the death, there would be no resurrection.
Without the cross, there could be no empty tomb.
And, without Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, there could be not hope of Heaven for me.
I realize that this Friday is good for me. But, the original “good Friday” was not so good for Jesus. It was cruel. It was bloody. It was painful. It was emotionally difficult (because for the first time in His life, He did not know the presence and love of His Father). But, surprisingly enough, it was intentional. Jesus knew what he was going to experience. He knew it was the purpose for which He came to earth. And, He did not shy away from it.
He embraced His destiny, so that He could provide for a great destiny for you and me.
Thank you Jesus. I am so amazed.