“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:46
“It is finished.” John 19:30
Lord Jesus, on the calendar of grace, we call today “Good Friday”—a day for humble reflection and grateful adoration. For you—the “Prince of Glory,” died for us. We were dead in our sin but alive to our sinful nature—without God, hope, eternal life, and heavenly citizenship (Eph.2:1-3; 11-12).
But through a plan you helped make and the greatness of our Father’s love, you fulfilled the law’s demands for us and exhausted the judgment awaiting us. You purchased us with the currency of grace (Eph.2:4-10), robed us in your perfect righteousness, and made us your own. Hallelujah, we belong to you Jesus—now and forever.
On that first “Good Friday,” three cries came from your heart. First, “Father forgive them!” Then, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The first cry required the second, and the second cry secured the first. Together they silence the demands of the law and the damning threats of the devil. And they compel us to loudly sing: “Amazing love! how can it be that Thou (Jesus), my God, shouldst die for me?”
Then came your third, final, total-salvation-accomplishing cry. “It is finished!” Jesus, your last words are our first and forever words of freedom, peace, and joy. You accomplished everything necessary to save us and seal us, make us your own and make us like yourself. One Day we will see you as you are, Jesus, and we will be made like you (1Jn.3:1-3). Until that blessed Day, this is our Good Friday and Glorious Forever cry, “No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine!” SO VERY AMEN!
