Why Is Good Friday, Good?

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NIV)

In that day people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in Him, and He saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation He brings!" (Isaiah 25:9, NLT)

So, why is Good Friday, good? It's not because we are celebrating Jesus' death. Nor are we honoring Judas' betrayal. It's not even because of a  three-day weekend. 

It's "good" because we now know the rest of the story. It's because Christ wasn't bound to that cross, or that grave, by human hands. No, He was there willingly. Jesus Christ suffered and died to pay for the sins of the world. WHY? Because of LOVE. For you. For me. For anyone who will come.  

Good Friday represents the hope for a new life, for a fresh start for all who come to Him, receive Him,  believe and follow Him. 

We don't need to stand in the dark shadow of the cross, unsure of our eternal future.

Jesus loves us. He came for us. He endured the cross and an agonizing death, for us. He rose again. For us. He chose us. Each one of us. But, it's up to us whether we chose Him, or not. Everyone is welcome and there is always room for one more.

"I can come just as I am
you welcome me, you welcome me
I can lay my burdens down,
you carry me, you carry me
with love in your eyes you ran,
and with grace in your voice,
you said

There is room at the table
there is room at the table
when I'd wandered so far, you came after my heart
you made a way and set a place for me
there is room at the table."
(Room at the Table, Saddleback Worship 2017)