Good Friday

Today is, of course, Good Friday. It represents the passion of the cross and calls us to remember the power of what Jesus did for us on that day.

Rather than overcomplicate this day, I want to point us toward a posture of remembrance. Where are you at the cross? Are you Isaiah looking ahead prophetically to the messiah's coming? Are you Mary weeping at the foot of the cross? Or are you Peter, running from the scene in shame? Are you the Roman soldier beating Jesus and mocking him?

The truth is that it doesn't matter where you are in the story.

Jesus came and gave his life as a ransom because we were scattered throughout his story, and we all needed a savior. Jesus died for Mary and John, who stood with him to the end. He also died for the soldiers that cursed him, the Pharisees that mocked him, and the friend that betrayed him.

It's always a good feeling to come into Easter weekend on a spiritual high. Sometimes gratitude is more straightforward when we only focus on how we think we deserve grace. Can I tell you that this is not what Easter is about? Jesus said it best in Matthew 9:12, where he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

Let us rest in the grace of what Jesus says next in Matthew 9:13 NLT. He said, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

As a simple exercise to engage with today, I want you to find a space to journal. That can be a notebook or the notes app on your phone. Copy the verse for today and write out the thoughts that come to mind. Do your best to be open and honest before the Lord today. Let us remember his goodness and grace.

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