TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Matthew 27:46
Read: Matthew 27:32-56
Listen: Matthew 27
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, demonstrating his proficiency in trusting God at the beginning of his ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). It is often known as his “testing,” or you could even call it “trust school.” Today (now called Good Friday), Jesus faces the ultimate test. He’s staring down death. A death he doesn’t deserve, to pay for the sins of others, not his own. What he goes through is real and raw. He’s beaten, publicly humiliated and executed. But physical pain likely wasn’t the worst of it. At the end, Jesus cries out one of the most haunting phrases in the Bible, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”.
This was new to Jesus. Jesus took our sins with him on the cross, took our punishment, and God turned away from him in that moment. God’s holiness is incompatible with sin. Jesus had never experienced the Father not being there for him.
Jesus, our substitute sufferer, experienced God forsaking him so we would never have to. That’s the good news of Good Friday. Jesus’ death on the cross means we will never be forsaken by God if we accept the gift of life Jesus offers us. It’s something we couldn’t earn and don’t deserve. All we have to do is choose to accept it. Even in the midst of a trying season, it is still good news. It’s the best news of all. Jesus loved us enough to come to earth, die on the cross for our sins and invite us into his family. That makes today a good day indeed.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider how you can celebrate Good Friday today. Here are some ideas. (1) Join us on Facebook today at noon for a devotional by teaching pastor Aaron Buer. (2) Read the crucifixion account from one or more of the gospels with your family or friends virtually. (3) Share what Jesus’ death on the cross means for you today, and how it has changed your life. (4) Spend time in prayer, thanking God for loving you enough to come to earth and die on the cross for you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
