Good Friday on Easter

The weight of the cross

Good Friday isn’t just a day on the calendar—it’s a moment in history where the innocent was exchanged for the guilty. Jesus Christ, without sin or blemish, took the punishment meant for us. He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin on His shoulders. As Paul reminds us, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That means our guilt was transferred, and His innocence covered us.

He didn’t deserve it

Jesus had done no wrong. Pilate himself said, “I find no basis for a charge against him” (John 18:38). Yet He was mocked, beaten, and crucified. He chose the path of suffering to bring us peace. Isaiah prophesied this long before it happened: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities… and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

A divine exchange

The cross was not just an act of injustice—it was a divine exchange. Jesus took our place. The guilty walked free because the innocent stood silent in our stead. That’s love in its purest form. Romans 5:8 captures it perfectly: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The power of forgiveness

Because of Good Friday, we don’t live in shame. We live in grace. Jesus’ final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), weren’t a cry of defeat, but a declaration of victory. The debt of sin was paid in full. The curtain in the temple tore in two, signifying that we now have access to God, unhindered and unafraid.

What Good Friday means today

It’s easy to think of Good Friday as a somber day. And yes, it’s a day of reflection. But it’s also a day of deep gratitude. We remember that we were once guilty, but now we stand forgiven. Jesus was innocent, yet He chose the cross—for you, for me, for the world.

Salvation Prayers : Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you today acknowledging my need for salvation. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of your glory. But I believe that you died for my sins and rose again. I ask that you come into my heart and be my Lord. I commit to following you and living for you every day. Thank you for your love and for the gift of eternal life. In your name I pray, Amen. Amen If you prayed the above prayers kindly click here to get more information https://xgospel.net/harvest_form/form/?page=9365&salvation=true

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 highlight about Jesus’ role on the cross?
   a. He performed miracles
   b. He became sin so we might be righteous
   c. He started a new religion
   d. He was crowned king
2. According to Isaiah 53:5, why was Jesus pierced?
   a. To fulfill a Roman law
   b. To show God’s power
   c. For our transgressions
   d. To gain popularity
3. What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”?
   a. His life was over
   b. The mission was complete
   c. He was surrendering
   d. His followers were defeated
4. What does the tearing of the temple curtain symbolize?
   a. Earthquake damage
   b. Religious reform
   c. Direct access to God
   d. End of Jewish law
5. Why is Good Friday called “good”?
   a. It was a sunny day
   b. Jesus avoided death
   c. It marked the payment for sin
   d. People were kind that day

Discussion Questions

1. How does understanding the innocence of Jesus impact the way you view the cross?
2. In what ways can believers reflect on Good Friday with both sorrow and gratitude?
3. What personal significance does the phrase “It is finished” hold for you?
4. How can we share the message of Good Friday with others who may not understand its importance?
5. If Jesus took your place, how does that change your perspective on justice and grace?

FAQs

Q: Why did Jesus have to die if He was innocent?
A: Because only a perfect, sinless sacrifice could satisfy God’s justice and provide redemption for humanity.

Q: What makes Good Friday different from other Christian holidays?
A: Good Friday specifically commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and the price paid for sin. It’s about His suffering, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Q: Is Good Friday a day of mourning or celebration?
A: It’s both—a solemn remembrance of Christ’s suffering, but also a celebration of the hope and forgiveness it brings.

Q: How should Christians observe Good Friday?
A: Through prayer, reflection, Scripture reading, and gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made.

Q: Was Jesus truly innocent according to Scripture?
A: Yes. Multiple accounts, including statements from Pilate and prophecies in Isaiah, affirm Jesus’ sinlessness.

Answers to Multiple Choice Questions

1. b
2. c
3. b
4. c
5. c