Good Friday Sacrifice-The Hour of Divine Paradox
While Passover lambs bled in the Temple courts, the Lamb of God gasped His final breath on Golgotha. Specifically, John’s Gospel records: “It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. [Noon] ‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Crucify him!'” (John 19:14-15). Though the crowd demanded blood, Jesus willingly surrendered, transforming history’s cruelest instrument into salvation’s sweetest symbol.
The Physical and Spiritual Agony
To understand the cross fully, we must consider both medical and biblical evidence. First, the scourging: “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged” (John 19:1). Roman soldiers used a flagrum with bone fragments that shredded muscle tissue. Next, crucifixion caused asphyxiation, fulfilling Psalm 22:14-15: “I am poured out like water…my tongue sticks to my jaws.” Finally, John 19:34 confirms the spear wound: “One of the soldiers pierced His side…and immediately blood and water came out.”
However, the physical suffering paled compared to the spiritual weight. When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He bore the divine wrath we deserved. Consequently, we now receive the adoption Jesus momentarily lost.
The Divine Exchange
The Barabbas incident perfectly illustrates substitutionary atonement. Matthew 27:15-21 details:
“Now it was the governor’s custom…to release a prisoner…They had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas…Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release…Barabbas, or Jesus?’…’Barabbas,’ they answered.”
This historical moment mirrors our salvation:
- Firstly, the guilty (Barabbas/us) goes free
- Secondly, the innocent (Jesus) accepts punishment
- Ultimately, God ordains this exchange
The Veil Torn in Two
Suddenly, at Christ’s death, the impossible happened:
“The curtain of the temple tore in two from top to bottom. The earth shook…tombs broke open.” (Matthew 27:51-52)
This supernatural event signaled three revolutions:
- Immediately, access to God opened (Hebrews 10:19)
- Simultaneously, the sacrificial system became obsolete
- Consequently, heaven invaded earth permanently
Good Friday Sacrifice – Reflection Questions:
- Initially, how did you first understand Christ taking your punishment?
- Currently, does the torn veil impact your prayer life?
- Practically, how should “It is finished” (John 19:30) change your daily struggles?
Prayer:
“Almighty God,
While I can’t fathom the cross’s depth,
Reveal its power afresh.
Since Jesus bore my guilt,
Let me live as truly free.
Because the veil tore,
Help me approach Your throne boldly.
Until eternity dawns,
Keep me near Calvary’s hope.
Through Christ our Redeemer,
Amen.”
Amen.”d in Full)
Upon my doubts, my shame, my striving.
Amen.”
