A Good Friday Reflection

On this Good Friday, as we reflect on the sacrifice made for us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, one thought stands out. Jesus was in total control during the Passion. I can think of times in my life where the moment I was in was overwhelming. The tension, the pressure, the anxiety was on high alert. The Son of Man with the weight of the world on his shoulders was in complete control.

In John 19:28-29 he writes, “28 After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.”

One interesting note about this passage. We assume that Jesus was dealing with physical thirst here. If you dig deeper into the original Greek. John used that word for “thirst” five other times in his Gospel. Every time “thirst” appears it refers to spiritual thirst. The woman at the well in John 4 for example. Think about what Jesus was experiencing at the moment forsaken by God and most critical time of His life. Despite His pain and suffering, Jesus was still in control. He willingly laid down His life to redeem us from our sin.

Today we pray for those who are confused by Good Friday. For those who feel guilty about what the events of that day, maybe even responsible. It was for our sins that Jesus died, but we did not keep him on that cross, His love for us did. Jesus gave up his life voluntarily. The Jewish people did not take His life, nor did the Romans soldiers. In Jesus own words, “18 No one takes it from me, but I give it up because I want to. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it up again. I received this commandment from my Father.” John 10:18. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so deeply that you paid the ultimate price for saving us. In the name of the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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