Grace and Peace Episode 19
Presbyterian Church of Easton
January 12, 2021
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Heidelberg Catechism
37Q. What do you understand by the word “suffered”?
A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
38Q. Why did he suffer“under Pontius Pilate” as judge?
A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
39Q. Is it significant that he was “crucified” instead of dying some other way?
A. Yes. By this, I am convinced that he shouldered the curse which lay on me since death by crucifixion was cursed by God.
Presbyterians tend to avoid Good Friday. We love the children waving palm branches on Palm Sunday. We love the beautiful communion service on Maundy Thursday with its new command to love. And we especially love Easter when everyone comes in their best clothes. But we pass right by Good Friday. We leave that one for the Catholics and Episcopalians.
Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus’ death on a cross. Both the religious and political authorities tried him, and even though Jesus had done nothing wrong, he was sentenced to death. Jesus was flogged, mocked, and beaten. And on a hill, he was crucified where all could see his humiliation. After three hours he died and was buried in a tomb.
But Good Friday is important because that is the day that God blessed us. It was on Good Friday that Jesus paid the price for all of humanity’s sins. It was on Good Friday that Christ released us from slavery to sin. It was on Good Friday that God declared us forgiven. It was on Good Friday that Christ’s righteousness became our righteousness. Since Adam and Eve, we have been under a curse. Their disobedience condemned all future generations to sin and death. But on Good Friday, Christ’s obedience freed us from this curse. No wonder we call it good.
So this year let’s not ignore Good Friday. Let’s remember the awful things that happened to Jesus. And let’s remember the wonderful things that Jesus did for us. Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for all you Son did for us on a cross. We are so grateful for the blessing of salvation we have received. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for freeing us from sin. Thank you for giving us Christ’s perfect righteousness. This we pray in Jesus’ glorious name.
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