Every year I find myself compelled to go.
I know it will probably feel painful and even a bit dark. I know I will once again sit in a pew with tears streaming down my face as I recognize how unworthy I am of being treated as someone of worth. To be valued, treasured, sacrificed for.
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”?
It all seems backward doesn’t it?
What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered?
What could be good about the shame and betrayal?
Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. The songs are upbeat, hands are clapping and everyone is dressed in their Easter best.
Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It feels so much better!
But, I don’t know how to sit in the pew on Easter Sunday and rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.
And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death and I will sit in that pew surrounded by my family and celebrate with the best of them! But I can’t skip ahead in the story.
“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” John 17:1-5
He knew what was ahead.He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it.
He did it for me. He did it for you.
Do you know that? It is hard to comprehend isn’t it?
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me? Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!
There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.
That is why it is called GRACE.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10
His grace is freely given.We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.
Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”?
A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.
Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30
Why is it called “Good Friday”?
Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
…It was just the beginning!
Beautifully said, Vanessa, and YES! The “Good” is that his death was/is only the beginning! Blessings to you on this day…
xo Heidi
Beautiful…
Thank you for sharing he good news! Christ is our Redeemer – he paid the ultimate price so we might live!
It is difficult to comprehend, but I’ve never been more grateful for anything. ever! Hugs, girls! 🙂
Amen and amen!
God bless you both this Easter!
XO,
Anne
BEAUTIFUL post! So thankful for HIS grace and mercy!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
Vanessa,
What a wonderful courageous post. And you are so right. Truly. So thankful for the grace he bestows on each of us.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Happy Easter!
karianne
Such a beautifully touching post. I hope you have a very Blessed Easter. Hugs, Marty
Hallelujah!!!!! He has Risen INDEED!!!!
Thank you for the wonderful post… we can never be reminded enough of the sacrifice that was made for us. Blessings to you.
I feel the same sitting in the pew at our church on every Good Friday. You have explained the real reason it is called “Good” in a very easy-to-understand manner and I felt moved by the words you have written. It is true, we must appreciate the pain and suffering of Jesus before we can rejoice in his resurrection – it makes Easter Day feel all the more, a day of celebration. A Blessed Easter to you!
DD
AMEN!!! So very well said!
What a wonderful post today!! Yes, it’s Friday, but SUNDAY’S COMING!! Victory over sin, death, and hell! What an amazing God we have!! Thank you for this. 🙂
So Beautifully written Vanessa, it is so humbling to know the Shame and Pain he suffered on my behalf to pay the penalty for my sins. Oh how I LOVE my Savoir. And, Yes!! It is just the beginning, how Exciting is that!!!
Have a VERY Blessed Easter Season!
xo
Angelina
Beautiful post, Vanessa! Thank you for sharing. And praise God that is NOT the end of the story! As my two year old says, “Jesus is alive RIGHT NOW!” 🙂
Rachel
How beautifully you have told His story of our redemption! I remember the story of Lazarus. When He stretched pit His hand and said” come forth”, just as He did for you and me. He called us from our sins and with His grace saved us. Thank you, my sweet sisters. We may never meet in this world, but we will in the next.
Was watching a movie of Jesus life yesterday and just sat amazed at how the torture was portrayed…why He would suffer like that for me….Blessed Assurance! Yes today is a hard day to remember, but Hallelujah….in 3 days He rose again….just as He said!
Happy Easter!
I am so thankful for my salvation and all the help and provision that God gives me daily through His son, Jesus Christ. My mind cannot completely comprehend the love Jesus has for us that he would die such an agonizing death to give us eternal life! I praise God today and every day!!!! Thank you, Father!!
I’m back again to let you know that I was so moved by your meaningful,thought provoking and informative post today, I’ve put a link to it in my Good Friday post. I hope that’s okay. Thank you and thanks be to God that we can share the Good News that Jesus’ suffering and death leads to the resurrection and our eternal salvation through blogging!
DD
Thank you for such a lovely posting today.
We are so blessed by our Lord and Saviour. Undeserved but given by His grace.
May you enjoy a wonderful Easter day.
Thank you for sharing the Good News! Happy Easter!
Jeanette
Thank you for such an amazing post. What an amazing gift we have been given through Christ. I agree that to truly comprehend what He did for us we must feel the suffering and realize the grace given to us.
Beautiful post. We need to remember what Easter is all about. It’s not the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. You have said it so compellingly. Thank you. God bless you.
Vanessa – thanks for a beautiful post.
Have a very blessed Easter.
Judy
Thank you Vanessa! Your post touched my heart this Good Friday evening!
Love,
Mom
Beautiful post Vanesa! I should be with my family right now at church but couldn’t……It all seems so overwheaming and too much for me, I know, not what God wants…Thank you for sharing this.
Hugs
Kristin
Oh sweet friend! I completely understand! You have been through SOOOOO much recently. I’m praying that you will feel God’s strength, peace and presence during this overwhelming season of life. Know that you are loved by Him and by me! 🙂
Vanessa
Oh Vanessa…this is the second year during this most blessed week your post has moved me to tears. This was so beautifully written…and yes it is hard to comprehend what Jesus did for us 2 thousand years ago. No greater love is there than to lay down ones life for another.
God bless you and yours and wishing you a glorious Easter Sunday.
XO Barbara
Amen, sweetness! It gives me pain too to think what Jesus endured for me! I’m so unworthy, but like you said – Grace! That covers us and praise God for salvation.
Have a blessed Easter.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Beautifully said! Happy Easter!
Vanessa, thank you for boldly sharing the Gospel! Happy Easter to you, Heather, and your families.
Beautiful post, Vanessa. I perfectly understand your sentiments about Good Friday. I almost feel like I should be in mourning on Friday and Saturday before Easter, but then I remind myself that the joy of Easter Sunday wouldn’t have happened without the sacrifice on Friday!
Beautiful and inspiring post. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter.
What a beautiful post, Vanessa. Wishing you and your family a glorious Easter!!
You hit the nail on the head for how I’ve felt for many years. I have always felt that way about Good Friday….tears and all. Thanks for putting it to words. Have a blessed Easter.
Thank you. Your words were a kindness and a comfort in an unkind world. Happy Easter!
What a beautiful post! You are so right.It is amazing to think we could be loved so much! I hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I’m late getting to this…my dad has been ill. I’ve heard that Good Friday is called good b/c is good for US. WE are redeemed because of what happens on Friday. This explanation is OK, but still falls a bit short for me. I’m like you…I hate the day. It’s a heavy day, but I guess we need to be reminded at least once a year what life is all about.
I found your blog through the a-z and I enjoy it. New follower here. 🙂
from The Dugout