What’s So Good About Good Friday?

It’s Good Friday! What’s so good about it though? Seriously. This is the day that Jesus was arrested, taken before this court, that court, flogged, beaten, spat upon (repeatedly), made fun of (mocked), beaten some more, lied about, but then called a liar. Then, nailed to a cross. This metal piercing his hands and feet. How painful could that possibly be? But to be hung with all your weight pulling on those three nails. How excruciating. But not as painful as the breaking of His heart when God turned away from Him.

“But I wasn’t even thought of then,” you might be saying. Yes you were. You were most definitely thought of. You were thought about! Because when Jesus prayed, He prayed not only for His disciples, the men who followed Him, the ones who would take over after He defeated death, hell, and the grave… He prayed for you and me.

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. ~John 17:20 (NLT) emphasis mine

In less than eighteen hours, Jesus went through six different trials. It’s almost ridiculous what He went through. So many illegalities, so many underhanded, devious things laid on Jesus. And He took it. Then the ultimate shame…when the sins of the entire world came upon Him, when He actually became sin Himself, even though He had done no wrong, and God turned His back. How heartbreaking.

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. ~2 Corinthians 5:21

How humbling. Yet, even in His agony, He still forgave. He still had compassion. He still had love. He forgave the thief on the cross next to Him. He looked down at the people there and asked God to forgive them. And when we cry out to Him, He forgives us even today.

He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed. ~1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

Good Friday. When you think about it in terms of what Jesus did for you and me, then it turns into something quite good indeed.

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.