Lifted High

The death of an innocent person is far from good, yet because of Christ’s obedience-even to the point of death-we call this Good Friday. It is hard to believe that any good could come out of such a seemingly hopeless scene as this, yet we know that it has.

Jesus gave himself up, both to the authorities and to death, by his own choice. His trial was an unjust one, but Jesus knew that God would work through these events for good. He went to the cross trusting completely in his father’s will.

In Jesus Christ, we see a God who goes before us into all things, even death, and who promises to be present when we cry out in the depths of our own suffering. We see a God in whom we can continue to trust, even at times when we feel forsaken.

Those looking on as Jesus died believed that death on a cross-the fate of criminals-meant nothing but defeat and failure. Today we see Christ lifted high as God’s glory and majesty are revealed.

Good Shepherd, today you have become the Passover lamb. Thank you for sacrificing your life for the sake of the whole world. Amen. — KLS