Philippians 2:8-9
Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name.
Today is Good Friday, the day that the Church commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross. I've always wondered why this day is called Good Friday because why is the death of our Lord considered "Good?" The church, in some circles, refers to this day as Holy Friday. We know that Christ was the Good Shepherd, that the story of the life of Jesus is considered the Good News. Its everlasting effect on our salvation is good (stronger words could be used here). I've looked at a couple of sources. and at the end of the day, there are no good explanations for the origin of the name Good Friday. We can only surmise that because the prophesy was fulfilled, that God's will was done, that Jesus had to die to be resurrected, that this was considered Good. But the day still carries a somber feel. As we read the Gospel today, we realize that we take the role of the people, the Jews, the Romans, those that denied him.
Jesus had to carry and endure the pain of the cross. We all have crosses in our lives: the battle of addiction, the scars from abuse or neglect, the torment of ridicule, the pain of being a social outcast, the stress of work. But God is a loving and merciful God. He gave Jesus, his only son, to carry the burden of sin for you and me. Surrender your life to him and ask that he carry that burden for you. Pray today for God's mercy and love. Give God sincere thanks for giving his only son as a sacrifice for you and me, so that we might not endure the eternal punishment, but instead rejoice in the goodness of God's love and mercy.
