Here we are at Good Friday. Just the name of this peculiar day leaves us scratching our heads. How is the cruel death of an innocent man in any way “good”? And what in the world does the cross have to do with us in 2015?
The meaning of the cross has little to do with punishment, and everything to do with example. The undeniable message that keeps coming through these few days of Holy Week is that Jesus allowed everything to unfold exactly as it did. In the garden of Gethsemane he consents to the impending suffering. He refuses to protect himself, or be protected by his sword-wielding followers. He remains silent before Pilate. Ultimately, he is hung - bloodied and betrayed - between two criminals, one we call good, the other, bad.
The cross, of all the possible symbols, is the image that has represented our Christian faith from day one. Strange? You bet! What in the world does this mean?
In addition to offering forgiveness (that’s just one component of what was achieved through the cross), Jesus is doing something of even greater importance - giving us the instructions for how to “do” life! The cross is the symbol of our faith because it shows us that when we hang in the middle of good and bad in our own lives, without eliminating either, without fighting, defending or refusing what life brings us, we arrive at peace - the peace that passes our limited understanding. Peace will come to you when you too, can learn to stop fighting and resisting what life brings you. This is what it means to follow Jesus, to “pick up your cross”. It means to literally put your life in the hands of a loving (not wrathful) God, just as Jesus did.
So when things turn difficult, relax a bit. Trust. Let go. Be patient. Allow God to work in your life, without trying to control everything. In time, you will get better at it. In time, placing yourself in God’s care will become your first choice, not your last.
Through the cross God is reconciling all things. He is allowing all things to serve his ultimate purpose. How do we know this? Because Jesus survives this ordeal, and not just survives, but emerges glorious and victorious in his resurrection. This is our hope! This is why we needn’t fear whatever life may bring us, and why the resurrection of Jesus on Easter day is the source of the greatest hope ever given to mankind.
Listen to some of Jesus' his last words to his disciple-friends - hear them as if he is speaking to you:
"You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy…and no one will take your joy from you.”
May you be blessed on this Good Friday and be ready to rejoice on Resurrection Sunday!
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