Good Friday

Every year we remember the crucifixion of Jesus on the Friday before Easter, commonly known as “Good Friday” and sometimes “Black Friday”. Why do we name the same day with such conflicting names? By all means, it is not good to publicly nail a naked person on a cross when in fact, it is extremely evil. Ancient Romans used crucifixion to punish and reprimand their enemies. Yet, the Roman Governor Pilate was reluctant to crucify Jesus. He did it under the pressure from the Jews. It was indeed not a good Friday for everyone, except for Jewish leaders, and even the Romans didn’t feel good about it. Why do we call this day “Good Friday”? Why does the crucifixion of Jesus bring in such a mixture of good and evil?

There are two words mentioned frequently in the first chapter of Genesis, “God” and “good”. Every time when God finished a creation, He commented that it is good. This tells us that God deeply cares about the distinction between good and evil. No wonder, that we humans who are created in the image of God, also enjoy the knowledge of good and evil. Sadly, our knowledge of good and evil contradicts with God’s, and as we insist in our way, we end up in death. What God considers evil, we think it is good; what God considers good, we think otherwise. This is sin. Who can rescue us stiff-necked sinners from the fate of destruction?

For our rescue, Jesus came and died on the cross, but how can man be saved by that? Once upon a time, Chinese chief diplomat Li Hongzhang from Qi dynasty was greatly puzzled by this. He wondered about a savior worshiped by so advanced and powerful western countries – this disfigured Jesus suffering a cruel death on a cross. This is the common ground for every person who comes to know Jesus. Yet, if you do not stop at this face recognition and move on, one day you may experience the transformation of your mind like Paul did. Paul said, For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2 ESV) He realized the only important knowledge is the knowledge about Jesus Christ, and you can not obtain that knowledge outside of His cross. It is only through this knowledge, one can obtain eternal life. (Jn. 17:3) Amazingly, the offense of the cross stands as the guard on the doorway to eternal life.

The Prophet Isaiah once prophesied about the coming of Christ: But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isa. 53:5 ESV) He emphasized the polarized views about Christ, as those who are ignorant esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. (Isa. 53:4 ESV) The true knowledge is hidden in His cross. This true knowledge is the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ. Love often flies in the face of common sense. From the good Samaritan who rescues a dying Jew (Lk. 10:30-37), to the loving father who opens his arms to receive back his prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32), they all acted in love. King Solomon knew the paradoxical nature of love, that is why he perceived the woman who were willing to give up the baby boy, was in fact his true mother. (1 Ki. 3:16-28) Jesus’ crucifixion seems to be most repugnant to common sense, because it reveals the greatest love on earth: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Jn. 3:16 ESV)
Prayer: O Lord! Help us to comprehend your great love in your suffering and know that your love surpasses understanding! Grant us peace and healing in your love! Help us give up our will, and discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect!