Good Friday Brings Good News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_As2lrG6AlQ

“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals-one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” -Matthew 23:32-34

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified by Roman soldiers. Christians celebrate the Holy week in remembrance of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus.

After beatings, mocking and having a crown of thorns placed on His head, Jesus carried His own cross to the place where Roman soldiers nailed him to it to die.

“The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” -Matthew 23:36

There with him, on each side, two thieves were hanging on crosses too. One of them mocked Jesus, and the other knew that Jesus was innocent of what he was accused of.

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” -Matthew 23:42-43

Later, on that same day at noon, darkness came over the whole land until 3 p.m., and the sun stopped shining.

“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When He said this, he breathed his last.” -Matthew 23:46

Jesus was taken off the cross and buried in a tomb, where he rose three days later.

“They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” -Matthew 24:2

“He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” -Matthew 24:7

As you go about your day today, remember the reason of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Eggs and bunnies are nice, but it’s Jesus who offers eternal life.

Emily Newton is a staff writer for hottytoddy.com, and the editor of Experience Oxford magazine. She is also a minister through the Church of God. Emily can be reached at emily.newton@hottytoddy.com.