Good Friday

It’s Good Friday today (18 April, 2025). Christians all over the world will be reminding themselves of Jesus’ crucifixion that took place on that wicked hill called Golgotha, ever so long ago. This morning, I went to church — which was a bit of a feat in itself, because I’ve hurt my back. Before you give me any sympathy, let me just say that I’ve hurt my back out of sheer stupidity and I’m not impressed. As I attempted moving a full bucket of water with my foot, I was telling myself not to do it. It’s hard to explain — it felt a bit like a horror show, watching myself not listen to the voice of sense that was screaming from inside my brain, and attempt the act which I’ve already described. I had to walk sideways, holding on to the outer walls of my house to get inside, grab my car keys, and drive through the pain to see a doctor. Thankfully, I’m so much better already. I’m not sure how quickly I’ll recover over my own stupidity, though!

There were three reflections in church and friends have been forwarding all sorts of messages about Good Friday. One friend in a group of ladies I read the Bible with shared one that was particularly hard hitting. It reminded us all the Judas sat at the same table as Jesus and the other apostles and our Lord showed him love. This is devastatingly shocking to read, because we know that Jesus knew who His betrayer was. The little WhatsApp share also reminded us how we’re all sinners — like Judas! That’s hard to take.

The Bible’s constantly going on about the prophecies about Jesus. The accuracy of the Psalms that refer to His character, His death, and even His resurrection is pretty stunning. We looked at Psalm 22: 1- 18 and Isaiah 52: 13 – 53:12 in church today. I’m constantly blown away, when I consider the way Jesus is described, not just as the long-suffering servant, but the Man of Sorrows, and unlike king David who’s described as ruddy, handsome, with beautiful eyes (1 Samuel 16:12), Jesus is described appallingly. Imagine this — we’re told that Jesus’ appearance is ‘marred, beyond human semblance,’ (Isaiah 52:14) and that ‘he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, no beauty that we should desire him’ (Isaiah 53: 2). The contrast to king David is unmissable.

However, David (whom I like very much), as good looking and majestic as he is, and with the kind of frenzied support he had, didn’t treat people so well all the time. For starters, there’s that whole episode of lusting after Bathsheba, who was already married to Uriah. David stops at nothing to get the woman he wants — which includes ensuring that Uriah, who was a faithful servant to him, is killed in battle (2 Samuel 11). David was also a pretty rubbish father to his daughter when she needed him the most (2 Samuel 13). David didn’t deal with his son Amnon who raped his daughter Tamar. This injustice causes David’s son Absalom to rise up against him and this eventually leads to Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18). So much for majesty, riches, being a powerful warrior, and being so good looking!

So, years later, when Jesus arrives — born in extremely humble circumstances, the scene is set for the contrast. Jesus grew up in a small, insignificant place called Nazareth. In fact, in John 1:46, Nathaniel’s response when he first hears about Jesus is ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ We’re also told that people took offence at Jesus — after all, He was the carpenter’s son (Matthew 13: 53 – 58 and Mark 6: 1-6). Suffice to say, such responses combined with some of the prophecies that spoke about Jesus in such appalling ways inform us that His majesty, His beauty, His power — were all hidden. He truly did humble Himself to come into this world to die for us.

Despite this, Jesus, unlike David, does something that David or none of us can do. He humbled Himself and embraced the man that would work with conspirators to lead Him to His death. He didn’t chase Judas away. Rather, He allowed Judas to sit at that table, washed his feet, and let him eat in His presence so that you and I won’t be cast away from that table. Because Jesus let Judas lead Him to His death willingly, He fulfilled the demands of God’s law and obtained justice for those who believe in Him. We have a place at the table because of Good Friday.

As I reflect on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the death and resurrection of Jesus, I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gift. I know I am a sinner. I know that I’m not easy to love. This is true for all of us. Yet, Jesus died for such as us. This comforts me as I think about my own mum and dad. They brought me up believing in Jesus and they died believing in Him. The events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday inform me that one day, I will see them again, when we are united in Jesus’ Kingdom. The Bible tells us that He will return in glory (Matthew 24:30). That will be a sight to behold.

Papa and mummy, I miss you both so much at times like these. It was so wonderful to have conversations with you about all these things that truly mattered. Thank God for Good Friday and Easter. Christ died for us and He rose again.