And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.”
At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Mark 15:22-26; 33-34
Happy Good Friday to you!
It's always interesting to think of the word "good" in light of this day where Jesus was crucified. It was horrible for him. He endured incredible suffering. Just imagine the brutal beating leading up to it. After a sleepless night, humiliation, and a crown of thorns, he was forced to carry a heavy cross beam up to the place of his execution. That was just the warm up. This was followed by Roman soldiers nailing him to a cross before hoisting him in the air for all to see. The time on the cross lasted six hours, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The last three hours were in darkness... He was abandoned by God in total separation because he took our sins on his shoulders.
It is finished!
The Gospel of John records that at the end of his suffering Jesus loudly exclaimed that his mission was done!
Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:28-30
In her "15 Minute to Focus Call" this morning, Pastor Tamara Buchan encouraged us to focus on the words "It is finished!" Jesus completed his mission. Eternal life with God is available to all who accept it and embrace a relationship with him. How amazing. We do not have to live in fear, bondage, shame, pain, or any other condition that keeps us from experiencing joy, peace and the fullness of life. It is finished! In every circumstance you face you can know that Jesus has won! He completed the mission his Father sent him on. He is our Savior, friend, High Priest and our conquering King.
Enjoy this Good Friday!
It is good. Jesus came, suffered and died. It is finished! Are you living in that truth and enjoying the freedom he purchased with his blood? If not, why not accept his free gift of life and freedom this Easter! Want to talk about it? Contact me.
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