Introduction

Previously in this series, we learned Good Friday is a call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, depend on God’s grace and cultivate self-control in life. This sermon is the last installment of the series. Today we are going to draw three more life applications from the observations recorded in the Bible at the time of the passion and death of our savior.

1. The Divine Judgement on Good Friday

Read Matthew 27:45-49

A. A supernatural darkness lasted all over the land. Skeptics say this was just a solar eclipse but a solar eclipse cannot occur during a full moon.

B.  The darkness came in broad daylight. It was actually a sign of judgment. Exodus 20:21-23 confirms this.

C. Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani…” because the judgment was on him. Not the world. What is divine judgment?

D. Wrath of God. Jesus was exposed to it when he became the sin offering for us on the cross. Separation from God. God forsook Jesus. Hence the shout “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” Condemnation of eternal punishment in the terrible lake of fire intended for Satan and his company.

Implications

The Gospel of John Chapter 3 Verse 18: “The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.” Whoever refuses to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus stands condemned in the eyes of God.

2. The Accomplishment on Good Friday

Read Matthew 27:50-53

A. According to the gospel of John chapter 19 verse 30 “It’s finished were” Jesus’ exact last words. These words were confirmed by three miraculous signs.

B. The veil of the temple which separated the presence of God from the presence of man was rent in two from the top to bottom.

C. The earthquake and the rocks were rent, the tombs were open and many saints who had died before Christ were brought back to life. Why did Jesus say it’s finished?

D. He crossed the finishing line. He accomplished the Mission. His sufferings were over. He finally bridged the gap between man and God.  The earth and the temple veil were witnesses of this. His death meant the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies, symbols, and foreshadowings of the coming Messiah.

Implications

The epistle of Hebrews chapter 10 verse 10 says “By his will, we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.” We can do away with religion and rituals because Jesus finished it on the cross of Calvary.

3. The Confession on Good Friday

Read Matthew 27:54

A. These were the Roman Soldiers and their Centurion who were guarding  Jesus.

B. The Centurion was the same man who presided over Jesus’ execution, the man who ordered the nails to be driven into His hands and feet.

C. All of them were extremely terrified and confessed, “Truly this one was God’s Son!” Why did they confess?

D. Once again this was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah 45:23-24 says every knee shall bow before God. They saw the miraculous happenings. Probably heard what happened in the temple as well as the graveyard. They had crucified many outlaws before. But Jesus’ behavior was different even when he was on the cross.

Implications

Paul in his epistle to Romans wrote in chapter 10, verse 10 “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Good Friday is the miracle that the son of God died to set us free. That freedom is only a confession away.

Conclusion

Good Friday is not just another Christian holiday. Rather it’s a great miracle because,

• We stand justified before God because Christ took my punishment upon himself.

• We can do away with religion and rituals because Jesus finished it on the cross of Calvary.

• We only need to confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord to be saved.

Good Friday is a reminder Jesus died on a cross so that we shall have everlasting life. He had nothing to gain but you. What will you do about it?

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