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Minister's Minute

It's a Good Friday

To call this Friday "Good," spelled with a capital at that, should raise some questions for people. If it were good in the TGIF sort of way, one might understand it. But the fact the symbol associated with Good Friday is a cross presents a conundrum.

Dying by crucifixion was so awful no Roman citizen could be crucified since it was considered too barbaric.

And to the Jews, it was understood that cursed is the one who hangs from a tree (Deuteronomy 21: 23).

So the facts, as they are lined up, are the following: Jesus died on a cross at the hands of the Romans and that this is in some way called "good" by those who follow Jesus.

Galatians 3: 13 points us in the proper direction: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Jesus was willing to become not only a servant of all but become a curse, by becoming the sin-bearer who brought all of our brokenness and rebellion to the cross. What was intended to be an instrument of death, has become for us a way of life since through the cross Jesus has redeemed us, paying the penalty for lawbreakers (that would be us).

Easter, then, is the triumph of Jesus over the cross; that is over death and the brokenness that can so bind us. Through his resurrection he has opened a new and living way for all of humanity. What was meant for ill was redeemed for love's sake.

What wondrous love is this! So have a truly Good Friday. And may you all have a glorious Easter!