When I was in college, studying to be a Physiotherapist, a classmate once asked me, “Why do you call it ‘good’ Friday when your God died that day?” This was an excellent question for me – someone who wanted to share the gospel but never knew where to begin. This question led to a long discussion of why Jesus’ death is good and something to be celebrated. Others joined in and I was able to openly talk to my friends about Jesus. I have no idea if they thought about that conversation ever again. I don’t know if it impacted them in any way at all. Even I had unconsciously pushed it somewhere far back in my mind. But for some reason, this conversation came back to me a few nights ago.
The next morning at breakfast I asked my girls – “Hey girls, do you know why Good Friday is ‘good’ even though Jesus died that day?” One of them replied, “It is good because of Easter!”
Simple.
Because of Easter, Good Friday is GOOD.
The ‘good’ is that there was One who willingly laid down His life to pay the penalty for our sins. The One called Jesus. Through Jesus’ perfect obedience, death, and resurrection, we can receive the gift of salvation if we put our trust in Him.
Yes, Jesus died on Friday, but on Sunday, He rose again.
His death would have no meaning without His resurrection.
Friday would have no meaning without Sunday.
Because of Easter I have new life. Romans 6:4
Because of Easter, I have a relationship with God. Romans 5:10
Because of Easter, I can boldly approach Him anytime and anywhere. Hebrews 4:14-16
Because of Easter, I have someone constantly praying for me. Romans 8:34
Because of Easter, I am redeemed. Isaiah 44:22
Because of Easter, I am no longer a slave to sin. Romans 6:14
Because of Easter, I can live a holy life. Colossians 1:22
Because of Easter, I am no longer under the law. Romans 6:14
Because of Easter, I need never be afraid. John 14:27
Because of Easter, death is not the end for me. John 11:25
Because of Easter, the Holy Spirit is always with me. John 16:7
Because of Easter, I can rejoice. Romans 5:11
Because of Easter, I will see God one day. John 16:16
Because of Easter, I have abundant life. John 10:10
Because of Easter, nothing on earth can separate me from God’s love. Romans 8:38-39
Because of Easter, I know He will come back for me. John 14:3
Because of Easter, I have the hope of an eternal inheritance. 1 Peter 1:3-4
Because of Easter, I can enjoy eternity in His presence. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
All this and MORE….BECAUSE Jesus DIED for my sins, ROSE from the dead, and is now REIGNING in heaven and in my heart.
Because of THIS, I don’t just celebrate Easter today, but Every. Single. day.
Happy Easter Friends, today…and tomorrow…and EVERYDAY!
