What’s so good about Good Friday?

A friend of mine who writes for Newsday recently asked me if I would participate in the “Ask the Clergy” section featured in Sunday Newsday.

So I first asked him what the question was. He said, “What’s so good about Good Friday? I said, “I’m in.”And right away, I thought of three words, as I pondered Good Friday…

“It is finished.” 

This is one of the last sayings of Jesus as He hung on the cross. The phrase is actually translated from the Greek to mean, “Paid in Full.” When someone would get a paid receipt, the language “Paid in Full” was the equivalent of “It is Finished. The word, “tetelestai.” 

Jesus would speak thee words, meaning that His work was done. The Father was satisfied that Jesus’ death indeed paid the penalty for the sins of all who would very believe. The worst day ever became the best day. This was evidenced on Easter morning when God raised Him from the dead. 

That is why we call Good Friday good. The work of redemption is complete. 

You can draw a line, dividing history before and after these three words—It is finished. You can’t add to it. You can’t detract from it. And for those who receive it, sin has no dominion over them any longer. 

Now many in earshot of these words took it to mean something different. To the Romans and unbelieving Jews lingering near the cross who heard those words, they must have thought, “Good. We are finally done with that trouble-maker,” was probably their joyous thought. “How dare He call Himself the Son of God!” 

I’m sure Satan and his minions had a different reaction. They knew better. In fact, I suggest to you in all reverence that those three words terrified hell! Why do you think the devil suggested that Jesus take an easier way? Yes, Hell had feared this moment for millennia. 

“IT IS FINISHED.” 

As I said, history was divided by these three words.Even during His three years of ministry in the markets and in the temple courts he divided men. It was belief versus unbelief. The last thing Jesus did on the cross was divide men and women. 

And now, at last, the temple veil was even torn in two. The earth was rocked on its axis—it trembled under the impact of the sin that He bore for us, because, He is the perfect Offering. The perfect Priest. The perfect Prophet. The perfect King. 

But make no mistake—“IT IS FINISHED” avails you nothing if your heart has never been broken through the agonizing awareness of your own sinfulness. 

“IT IS FINISHED” avails you nothing unless you have been saved from the power of sin.

“IT IS FINISHED” avails you nothing is you still love the world over the things of God.

“IT IS FINISHED” avails you nothing unless you are a new creation in Him. 

Oh— and one thing that will never be finished, for “IT IS FINISHED” was an earthly statement. But eternity never finishes. And those who have the Savior will live and reign with Him forever and ever. 

If you’re local, join us for a time of worship and reflection for Good Friday, at 5:00 PM. Then join in celebrating the Resurrection Easter Sunday at 10:30 AM! 

Watch our Services live on Sundays at 10:30 AM est

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