the good in good friday
Where is the good in Good Friday? If you attend worship during Holy Week (the week before Resurrection Sunday), your dark and somber Good Friday service may feel ‘stripped’ and be visually covered in black to help us understand a small part of what Jesus experienced on the day He died. None of it seems ‘good’.
The black coverings that many churches drape over crosses and their altars on Good Friday are significant because the color black results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. And sure enough, on this dark day, the Light of the World
(John 18:12) hangs on a cross. His life, like a candle’s bright flame, is being snuffed out. To observers, this does not seem ‘good’.
During Jesus final hours, after having been unjustly tried, beaten, mocked and scourged, He hangs crucified on a cross, continuing to be mocked by those below and at least one hanging beside Him. (Matt. 27:39-44) He thirsts, He cries out, and darkness covers the earth. (Matt. 27:45) None of this would seem ‘good’.
Yet, one robber confesses understanding of Jesus’ innocence and pleads, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 ESV) Jesus’ words, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,” (Luke 23:43 ESV) are full of hope for many to come. As Jesus breathes His last, God’s power over creation and death bursts onto the scene as tombs crack open and dead rise. The heavy temple curtain that has for all time separated the common people from the ‘presence of God’ in the Holy of Holies is mysteriously and miraculously torn from top to bottom, showing that this final act has given all people free access to their heavenly Father through Jesus our high priest and mediator. And one who saw the whole thing, a centurion at the cross, proclaims, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Mark 15:39) All these are certainly good - beacons of hope and light on this dark day.
The Baltimore catechism, used by catholic schools from the 1885-1960’s says, “Good Friday is good because Christ showed His great love for man and purchased for him every blessing.” And for all of us who know ‘the end of the story’, that Jesus did not stay dead, that He rose to new life which we can now have in Him, we know this day is ‘good’.
So, this Good Friday, how can you focus on what makes it so good? One suggestion, taken from Catholic practice (adapted by protestant churches as well), is to meditate on the stations of the cross. Perhaps on the hour, during this holy day of Good Friday, pause to read these passages, journal, and thank God for the good things Jesus purchased for you on the cross.
by the Body & Soul® Spiritual Impact Team
Body & Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
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