Good Friday: Bible Verses and Discussion to Enhance Your Understanding

Although innocent of all sin, Jesus suffered the most horrible and disgraceful punishment known at the time of his death, crucifixion. This form of death was reserved for only the most lowly of man. His agonizing death provided that we shall all be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life. Lets look at a few verses that assure us of this promise.

John 3:16,17
(16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
(Jesus is pure and without sin. Only His sacrifice could cleanse us from our sins and offer us eternal salvation. This gift so graciously offered to us can only be received in one way. We must believe that Christ our Lord and Savior, died on the cross for our sins.)

Hebrews 6:6
(6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
(To fall away from the Lord or to depart from the faith, is a fresh public rejection of Christ, a crucifixion of Him all over again. It is our responsibility as God loving people, to lead those who are lost to the Lord.)

Matthew 20:18,19
(18) Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, (19) And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
(Jesus knew that He would die, and by what means, He also knew that on the third day He would rise again. As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside on the road and spoke the above message to them. Imagine knowing the fate that awaited Him, yet He continued on.)

Matthew 20:28
(28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
(Even as He gave His life for our salvation, He asks so little of us.)

Luke 23:33,34
(33) And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Even in the midst of His excruciating suffering, Jesus was forgiving and merciful. For He realized that those who put Him to death acted in ignorance, not truly understanding who it was they were killing. Let this be an example to us in our daily lives.)

As believers in Jesus Christ, it is important for us to remember & appreciate this very special holiday, Good Friday. The gift that is offered to us as a result of the crucifixion, of Christ our Lord is priceless! Taking the time to recognize and acknowledge this sacrifice, is one way we can offer our thanks and praise for this most precious gift of eternal life. Other ways we can honor our Lord for his sacrifice on this Special day:
* Attend Good Friday Services at your church, or another church of your choice.
* Share the word of God with others, and especially the meaning of this day.
* Spend time as a family studying the above verses and discussing what they mean and what it means for you and your loved ones.
* Say a special prayer this day, thanking the Lord for his sacrifice and suffering on the cross. Thank him for the gift of salvation that he graciously extends to all of us.
* Make a personal commitment today, to do your best to be forgiving of others, as was our Lord.
*If you have children, perhaps you can plan a craft project of making a cross, as you help them with this project, you can tell them the meaning of the cross. You may want to look around on the internet for "Children's Good Friday Activities" as well. There are many to be found.
* Share this article with someone you love.

Sources:
www.bible.com
www.bible.crosswalk.com