Scripture Verses for Understanding Good Friday

Good Friday is a time to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. He did something for us that only He, a pure spotless lamb, could do. He got on that cross and died so that He could rise again and be our Savior. No person who walked on this earth has ever been able to do what Jesus did, because Jesus wasn't just a person, He was God.

Mark 10:27 is not directly in reference to Jesus' death and resurrection, but is a great verse for us to keep in mind going into this season.

Mark 10:27 (New King James Version)

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Jesus had told His disciples that He would die and rise again, but they were still filled with unbelief. Often Christians want to believe but we are challenged by our worldly thoughts more than our belief in a God that can do the impossible. Before He spoke these next words He had already told them with God all things are possible.

Luke 18:31-33 (New King James Version)
31 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."

Jesus not only told His disciples what was going to happen, He also spoke to those who were against Him. Jesus tells those that are persecuting Him that it is by His will that they are able to do so.

John 19:11 (New King James Version)

11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."

Luke 22:52-53 (New King James Version)

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Jesus spoke the truth, but did not try to defend His reputation. He knew who He was and what He had to do. He was not plagued with doubt about His purpose. He had to die so He could rise again. He already knew what would happen three days later.

Revelation 1:18 (New King James Version)

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

At this time of year we can meditate on the miraculous sacrificial love of Jesus which took Him to the grave but lets not forget there is much more to the story. Good Friday is only "good" because it allowed for what happened three days later.