Good Friday!

Good Friday - I was always confused of why it was called Good Friday. The whole day is sad and ends on a sad note. And this is true. A day of looking at your own life, through what Jesus did is tough.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

Not one person can live or die without Jesus. As hard as that might be to swallow for some poeple, there is no opening into heaven with Jesus.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

He CHOSE to die for you.

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:1-5

Jesus was betrayed by a friend that night, and not just someone He once knew, but a best firend, a firend that should have stood with Him. Judas was greedy and later came to regret his dicission.

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?"
They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth."
Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way," that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none."
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" John 18:1-11

Then what I think is even worst is a truly good friend, one who loved Jesus so much and was even willing to kill those soldiers denied Him... 3 times! That saddens me so much more, as I would hope that I would stand up for Him. But then I think Peter thought that too. I hope if the time was ever here I would have enough faith to stand tall and say I believe in Jesus.

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?"
He said, "I am not."
Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. John 18:15-18

Later He was taken and unfairly judged by a man who had no idea how Jesus even was.

He was then mocked by the soliders with the crown of throrns. He was teased as the King of Jews, now that He had His crown.

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands.
Pilate then went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him." John19:1-4

He was then beaten beyond recongnition. He was spit on and pushed down. Forced to carry His own cross, without given any water, and walked miles to the place of the crucifition. He was then hung with 2 theifs, as though He was one of them.

The soliders then gambled for Jesus’ robe. This was a man who had nothing yet they wanted to take the only small thing He owned, His robe. This was forotld a 100 years before.

They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots. Psalm 22:18

Jesus then showed the ultimate lesson that day. What are you to do to those who are against you, mean to you.

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34

He asked to forgive them! And then He died.Calmy. Not gasping for breath. Not struggling to break free. And without a bone broken. The soldiers would brake the persons legs so that they could not fight it and would siffocate to death more quickly. They did that the the first theif, then they came to Jesus. But He was already dead. As to make sure, they pierced His side with a spear, and when they did blood and water come pouring out. This was the proof they needed.

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." John 19:31-37

How much did the Man love us, to go though all this for us? It is a solom day today... but as a song that is often on the Christian station says, "It is firday and Sunday is almmost here."

A day to truly celebrate will be here in 3 days. I think Resurrection Sunday should be a bigger celebration then Christmas. Becasue although we need to celebrate His birth and without that there would not have been the death. But without that Friday, there would be no salvation! A concepts not really thought of today! So take time today to thank Jesus for what He has done for you! God Bless you today!