Good Words for Good Friday

Is it really Good? †

Is it really Good?

This is an extra Good Word for you this week. I’ve always wondered what was so good about the Friday of Jesus’ death that it would forever be named “Good.”

Of course, the unprecedented actions of Jesus for us on the cross is what makes it good. That he loved us and saved us despite his personal anguish from being betrayed, beaten and bloodied. There is so much goodness there we will never understand.

We can find the good also in the last good words of Jesus. I won’t elaborate, but if you want more, please read the related scriptures.

Seven last Good Words of Jesus

• 1. Forgive

  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

• 2. Today

  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

• 3. Mother

  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,”  and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:2-27

• 4. Forsaken

   About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

• 5. Thirsty

  Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

• 6. Finished

   When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

• 7. Father

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

A Final Word

Jesus does get the final word — in life, in death, in eternity.

I recommend you find time this weekend to soak in Jesus’ final good words. What do they mean to you? How can you thank him? How will you share him with others?

• Today, be humble.

• Tomorrow, be quiet.

• Sunday, celebrate!

Next Wednesday, I have a free resources for you, also using the number 7. See you here then.

Until then, share the Good Words of Jesus with someone today.

Happy Easter, friends.