Today, we think of the Friday before Easter as a good day to be thankful for the death of Jesus because, in it, we know of our forgiveness. We see the blood drops, the beating, the mocking, and remember that Jesus went through all of this on our behalf. It is a good Friday because it’s an appropriate time to be mindful of all that Jesus did for us to provide salvation for us. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and for that, we are thankful, and it is good. It is good because none of us are good enough to die for our own sins. Jesus is the apex of all that is good!
But I have often wondered…
When Jesus was arrested, did Satan get excited? I wonder when they beat, mocked, scourged, and placed the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head if Satan felt as if he was winning. I wonder when they drove the nails in Jesus’ hands and feet if Satan was turned on by the gruesome act. I wonder if when they pierced Jesus’ side, and the blood and water spilled if Satan was laughing. I wonder when Jesus cries out, “My God, why have you forsaken me” if Satan was happy, Jesus was feeling alone. I wonder, when Jesus whispers, “It is finished,” if Satan thought in his head, “Finally”! I wonder if when they took Jesus’ body down and buried it in the ground if Satan thought he had won.
Satan thought it was a good Friday, too.
But he was wrong! He was wrong in the sense that he won. Wrong in the sense that Jesus would forever be dead or forever be buried. Satan was wrong!
Today is a good Friday to remember Jesus’ horrific death. But to also remember Sunday is coming, and Jesus is still alive today!
Where will you be on Sunday? Come worship with us at North Heights Church of Christ, and let’s remind ourselves of the resurrection and that this was God’s plan all along!
God loves you, and so do I,
Alexander
