Good Friday...a Piological perspective

This was my very first biblical articale...wrote it on Good Friday last year..do read !

Since today was Good Friday (Why it is called "Good" is a whole different story), me along with my family went to church. Here i would like to share with you a few things i meditated on today as the ceremonial services were taking place.

Jesus is arrested:

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” Jn 18:8-9 (NIV)

Although Jesus' life was in danger and the detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees carrying torches, lanterns and weapons were there to arrest him, he did not care about himself. Instead he saw to it that none of his disciples were hurt.

Jesus takes care of all his people. If you trust in him and love him and are willing to follow him, he will guide and protect you wherever you may be. As it is written in psalm 91:11-12 " For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

Secondly, when Simon Peter cut the ear of the high priest's servant, Jesus asked him to put it back and he healed the ear of that servant. Jesus showed love and compassion even to his enemies but we fail to do the same even towards our own family and friends.

Peter denies Jesus:

Further in Jn 18:15-26, we find Simon Peter, the disciple who swore that he would be willing to give his life for Jesus, deines knowing or following him, not once but three times. Peter not only commited the sin of lying, but also denied his fellowship with Jesus, someone who loved him dearly. Even after all of this, if we read John 21, verse 15 onwards, Jesus not only forgives Peter but also reinstates him and puts him incharge of his Kingdom.

Similarly, many a times we falter and fall down. We commit sins and in a sense turn away from God, but this ever loving fountain of mercy who gave his life for us on the cross is always waiting with open arms to forgive us and bless us manyfold. It is not sufficient though just to turn away from our sins. We need to turn to God and live a life that is righteous in his sight.

Jesus under trial:

We read in Jn 19:1-16, Jesus being accused(falsely i might add) by a multitude of people. The soldiers inside twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus' head. They clothed him with a purple robe and mocked him. They verbally and physically(slaps, whiplashes, etc.) abused and insulted him. Pilate questioned him about the accusations but he spoke not a word against anyone. Although he was blameless and without sin, he kept his silence throughout all the persecution and suffering he faced at the hands of sinners.

If Jesus could keep silent and be humble enough to do the will of God the father, why can't we do the same when we are accused of going wrong things ? We argue fiercely with our neighbours, friends, family, teachers, etc. even when it is our fault. Let us take the example of Jesus and learn to be humble before God and our fellow brethern so that we may find grace in their eyes.

Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross:

Jesus was then taken to Golgotha, carrying his own cross. He was crucified there in between two criminals. His humiliation did not end there. Mark 15:27-32 reads, '' They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.''

So much so that even his garments were torn apart and divided among the soldiers and his undergarment was gambled upon. Through all this, the messenger of peace and love only said father forgive them, for they know not what they have done. As he breathed his last, he forgave the sins of one of the rebels who was crucified besides him. Jesus assured him that he(the rebel) would be with the father in heaven after he died since he had asked forgiveness for his sin.

Another wonderful thought that crssed my mind was regarding the blood of Christ. When the soldier pierced Jesus' side, blood and water flowed to the ground. He shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. He washed away all our sins and filth by his blood. Why is it then that we constantly sin and waste his precious blood ? Let us try and refrain from sinning and remember that he has anointed each one of us by his precious blood.

It does not end there! Three days later he rose from the dead and conquered man's greates fear- death. The bible says because he lives, we have life. Jesus Christ although was a mighty King, died the shameful death of a rogue, a criminal. By doing this he became the ultimate sacrifice for us. He became the modern sacrificial lamb and got slayed at the hands of sinners like you and me only so that the generations to come may have access to eternal life.

I know the note was a bit too long but i would like to thank you for reading it :)

Thank you and God bless :)