Another Meditation for Good Friday

Today we commemorate one of the most extraordinary events in the history of the cosmos—the crucifixion of the God-man, Jesus the Messiah. Extraordinary in part because it is at once among the WORST and GREATEST events ever to take place. WORST because it was the conspiracy of all humanity to kill the most righteous man, even God. GREATEST ("Good" Friday is also historically known as Holy Friday or Great Friday) because of the wonderful things Christ accomplished for his people in his death.

In his death, Jesus destroyed the powers of the devil; bound the strong man; judged and drove out the prince of this world; ransomed, redeemed & delivered us from the power and penalty of sin; freed us from the curse of the law; demonstrated our sinful depravity in the need for his death for our salvation; demonstrated the love of God for us, in that while we were sinners he died for us; demonstrated ultimately the righteousness of God to punish our sins upon his Son instead of simply ignoring them; absorbed God's wrath upon himself, turning it away from his people; and reconciled us to God.

Jesus' flesh was the curtain torn, giving all his people access to the Holy of Holies, the presence of God. Through his death we are forgiven, justified, cleansed, and made right with God. He died that we might live, and as long as we gather for communion we proclaim his death until he comes.