Good Friday
Read Isaiah 53:5
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But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (NASB)
A Day Called “Good”
At first glance, “Good Friday” seems like a strange name for the day that we remember the brutal crucifixion of Jesus. It was a day filled with betrayal, injustice, suffering, and death. How could that possibly be good?
The answer is found in the purpose behind the pain. Jesus wasn’t just a victim of cruelty—He was the willing sacrifice for the sins of the world. On that dark Friday, the Light of the World gave Himself up so we could be saved. It wasn’t nails that held Him to the cross; it was love.
The Price of Our Peace
Isaiah 53:5 reveals the profound cost of our salvation. Jesus was pierced, crushed, punished—not for His own wrongdoing, but for ours. He took what we deserved so we could receive what we could never earn: forgiveness, peace with God, and healing for our broken souls.
Every wound He bore was for you. Every drop of blood was love poured out. The cross wasn’t a tragic accident—it was a divine rescue mission. Jesus took your place so you could stand in His.
Responding to the Cross
Good Friday is not just a day to mourn—it’s a day to marvel. We remember the depth of our sin, yes—but even more, we remember the greater depth of His love.
Have you paused today to thank Him for the cross?
Are there areas in your life where you’re still trying to carry guilt or shame He already paid for?
Do you truly believe that by His wounds—you are healed?
This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus died, not to make us religious, but to make us free.
A Cross That Leads to Hope
Good Friday is not the end of the story. It’s the road to Resurrection. As dark as the cross was, it leads to the dawn of Easter Sunday. Death didn’t win. Sin was defeated. And the curtain was torn so we could come boldly to God.
So today, pause at the foot of the cross. Reflect. Repent. Rejoice. This Friday is “good” because it brings the greatest gift: redemption through the blood of Jesus.
Prayer
“Jesus, thank You for loving me so deeply that You would endure the cross in my place. Help me never take Your sacrifice for granted. I lay down my sin, my guilt, and my striving. Let me walk in the healing and peace You paid for. Amen.”