Good Friday

April 15: Good Friday

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 18:1-19:42

It’s impossible to read the passages related to Good Friday – Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion – apart from the lens of Resurrection morning. And yet, as we see the series of events unfold, it is a fresh reminder of Jesus’ deep love for us; of his choice to go through these excruciating events; of how God had planned all of this from before time began.

Centuries before Jesus would appear on earth, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah telling of the Messiah, God’s chosen servant, who would come and set the captives free. A bruised reed he would not break. The blind would see and the lame would walk. This servant would be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Tucked into all the beautiful and triumphant things Messiah would do is the description of him as a suffering servant in Isaiah 52 and 53. Nothing in the description would have drawn us to him. He would not have been on a list of the most influential people. We would have thought him just another man.

He was marred beyond recognition (52:14). He had nothing in his appearance to attract us (53:2). He was despised and rejected (53:4). Like a lamb, he was led to the slaughter. He did not speak a word. He did not try to escape. He did not protest his innocence. He was battered and bruised and ultimately killed in the most heinous way.

And yet, despite his treatment, kings and nations are astonished by him (52:15). He is described not as a victim, but as a victor. He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; he took upon himself our punishment that we might have peace. He was bruised. We are healed.

Jesus’ suffering, described by Isaiah centuries earlier, is the means for our redemption. It is the way of our restoration. It was not in vain, but the turning point of human history. It was not the end of a Jewish sect, but the beginning of a worldwide faith that brings salvation to all people.

Even more, Isaiah tells us he will rise again! The day will come when he sees his offspring. His days will be prolonged! His anguish will not be the final word. We grieve the servant’s suffering even as we rejoice in what God has done through him! He has taken him from humiliation to exaltation!

Today, as we pause to reflect on Jesus’ death, we do so from the vantage point of his resurrection. We look upon the cross, an instrument of punishment, death, and shame and we see it as the place of victory, glory, and joy.

Jesus, the suffering servant, invites us to rethink our worldly ideas of success. It wasn’t his charisma, charm, and good looks that made a difference. It was his servant’s heart. His obedience. His humility and gentle heart. His empathy and compassion. His willingness to give sacrificially for the sake of others. He invites us to do the same. He invites us to find our success, not in how much we have (possessions, power, position) but in how much we love (service, sacrifice, selflessness).

Jesus, the suffering servant, invites us to rethink our perspective on suffering. We’ve seen several times in recent messages that our faith is not measured by the blessings or easy life we enjoy. Jesus did not say to come follow me and life will be pain and trouble free! He said, take up your cross and follow me! The life of obedience and faithfulness will be blessed by God’s presence and is used by God to mature and refine us. He invites us to measure blessing in our lives not by the absence of suffering, but by his presence with us through it all.

Questions for Reflection

How does the life of Jesus and his willing submission to go to the cross influence your view of success and suffering? Should it?

What is stirred in your heart as you consider what Jesus endured for your sake? Take time to share your heart with Jesus. Is there an invitation to respond in some way?