When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
–John 19:30
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” - John 20:27-28
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the climax of Holy Week, Resurrection Sunday, are upon us. With just one full day separating them, two of the three greatest events in human history transpired — the Crucifixion of Christ and the Resurrection of Christ (the Incarnation of Christ being the third).
Good Friday teaches us these primary things:
- Sin must be dealt with. God is a God of justice, and he is not forgetful.
- God is both just and the one who justifies when it comes to the payment for sin (Rom. 3:26).
- Sin is serious. It is never atoned for without the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22).
- Only God can deal ultimately with sin.
- God sent Jesus wrapped in human flesh to deal with human sin. The law is now fulfilled (Rom. 8:4;
2 Cor. 5:21)).
- Jesus gave up his life willingly as a perfect sacrifice (John 10:17-18, 19:11; Phil. 2:8; 1 John 3:16).
- Jesus really died. His death was both ensured and validated (John 19:33-35).
- God is a God who stands ready to forgive (Luke 23:34, 23:42-43).
- God’s work in salvation is now completed. Jesus final word on the cross “It is finished” (one word in Greek: “tetelestai” although Jesus would almost assuredly have uttered the word in Aramaic) tells us emphatically that the work is done.
Resurrection Sunday teaches us these primary things:
- Death could not hold the author of life in its grip (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:30-32).
- Jesus’ own words (prophecy) proved true (Mark 8:31; Luke 18:33).
- Jesus rose bodily (not spiritually) from the grave (Luke 24:41; John 20:18, 20:27).
- God raises the dead (John 5:21).
- Those who place their faith in Jesus will also be raised to new life (John 6:38-40; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:18;
1 Cor. 15:20-49).
- Life conquers death. Jesus is alive! (Isaiah 53:10)
I pray God’s richest blessings upon each of you as you conclude this Holy Week. Do not forget this incredibly important reality: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” - John 1:4
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym