I attended a Good Friday service last evening. The suffering of Jesus was presented by the reading of Scripture, dramatic videos, music, and nails in an old cross. My mind revolted at the images showing the beatings, thorns on His head, nails in hands, the awful torture put upon my Savior! My eyes wanted to turn away! But I must not turn away! Those were my sins that caused that suffering. Jesus allowed that cruelty because He loved me! He was taking my punishment!
Oh, that I would look full upon His suffering and turn myself away from all sin! I must look at the beaten back, the face streaked with blood, the torn and blood-covered hands and feet. It is only through such sacrifice that I have the freedom to choose life and turn from sin. “It is finished.” Jesus paid the debt of sin in full. The sacrifice was finished, but Jesus was not! Sunday came and Jesus rose triumphant over death forever! I am free!
“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5).
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6a).