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On this solemn Good Friday, we pause to honour the supreme sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, as the Scripture declares, “his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24, KJV). This verse unveils the heart of the Easter story, calling us to reflect deeply on the purpose of Christ’s death, burial, and triumphant resurrection.
1. Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
The crucifixion of Jesus was not merely the result of human schemes—Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, Pontius Pilate’s judgment, or the Roman soldiers’ nails. These were but actors in a divine drama scripted by God Himself. The true reason for Christ’s death is found in God’s redemptive plan: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV). Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was offered as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. As the Apostle Paul proclaims, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, KJV). His death was an act of boundless love, for He “loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).
On this Good Friday, let us focus not on the cruelty of the cross but on its divine purpose—Jesus died to bear the penalty of our sins, reconciling us to God. Jesus died to bear the wrath of Almighty God to atone for the penalty of our sins by the shedding of His precious blood. The empty cross means the Work is finished, once for all. “It is Finished” John 19:30, “But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God” Hebrews 10:12 . Now men and women, boys and girls, can be reconciled to God by faith and repentance in His son Jesus Christ. He died an atoning death for you.
2. What Happened to Christ’s Body?
Following His agonizing death, Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross and laid in a new sepulchre in a garden, provided by Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-42). Wrapped in linen and sealed in the tomb under Roman guard, His lifeless body rested. To His disciples, this moment was one of sorrow and seeming defeat. Yet, the garden tomb was not the end of the story. It was the quiet prelude to the greatest miracle of all, where God’s power would soon shatter the chains of death.
3. The Glorious Message of the Resurrection
On the third day, an angel at the empty tomb proclaimed, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6, KJV). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, declaring His victory over sin and the grave. It is a message of hope, power, and eternal life. Because Christ rose, we too may rise to newness of life, assured that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. The empty tomb stands as God’s promise that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). This is the joyous message of Easter—Christ lives, and so shall we!
A Call to Reflect
This Good Friday, let us fix our eyes on the cross, where Jesus bore our sins, and on the empty tomb, where He conquered death. May we walk in the righteousness He secured for us, boldly sharing the glorious truth of His resurrection. As we approach Easter Sunday, let us proclaim with heartfelt gratitude: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day—Hallelujah!
May you all have a blessed Good Friday and a triumphant Easter!
