The Sufferings of Good Friday

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

As Easter is quickly approaching, I know just how easy it is to pass over Good Friday. One reason may be the hustle and bustle of preparing Easter baskets, painting eggs, and making sure our “best dress” is cleaned and pressed. I think the other reason, may be that it is a hard thing to think too long on the brutal torture and death our Savior.

To look upon that image reminds us that it was our sin that nailed Him to the cross; it was our iniquities that He bore the insults, and it was for our faults He willing took upon Him the lashes. It was because of us He suffered, and was forsaken by a father whom He loved greatly. How is it that we can look on such an image and not feel angst and remorse?

And just as easily we hurry past this mood point in history, we find it even harder to remind ourselves that we too should “share abundantly” in Christ’s suffering. We should expect to suffer in our Christian life for the sake of others, just as He did for us. For it is when we suffer, we are completely comforted by Christ, in order that we may comfort others in their own affliction.

We could seek a life of ease and tranquility, but how would we ever know the true peace that only Christ can give, let alone pass that peace on to others?

Let us take time to dwell on the death Christ, and He’s long suffering. Let us remind ourselves it was because He loved us that our sin upon himself. Let us then be a people who share in that suffering in order to know Him more. Let us be a people known to the world as comforters and peacemakers.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for often seeking my own pleasure and comfort instead of seeking your will in my life. Lord Jesus thank you for the death on the cross that whipped away my sins, there shell never be enough words to tell you how truly grateful I am. Lord, may I be reminded that you can use me greatly in any and all suffering this life may bring, and that it is for the blessings of others that I may walk though trials. And may I never think so proudly that the small trails I may endure compare to those of your Son.
Amen