04/03/2026
Something I’ve had on my mind today as I reflect on Good Friday.
At the time of the crucifixion, Jesus is hanging on the cross listening to onlookers hurl insults at Him and cast lots for his clothing. These Roman soldiers and Jewish onlookers all sneered and mocked Him as He hung there silent with nails driven into his hands and feet, and a crown of thorns upon His head. When He finally opens His mouth to respond to His heinous treatment He surprises everyone by saying “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
In His time of torment He pleads with the Father to forgive the sins of His mockers. The most painful time of His life was marked by a choice to forgive the very people who nailed Him to the cross.
I think about the moment I committed my first sin. It was probably disobeying my parents or telling a lie to not get in trouble. There’s no way for me to remember what exactly I did, but I know that I didn’t know what I was doing when I sinned. I know that I would have understood what I did was wrong, but I certainly didn’t know that when I sinned the first time I swung the hammer to drive the nails into Jesus.
I think of my life now, though. As a Christian, I’m very aware of the reason we celebrate Good Friday. I’m aware that my sin caused Jesus to take His place on the cross. And yet I sin anyways. As a child I didn’t know what I was doing, but as an adult I know exactly what I’m doing to Jesus when I choose to sin. And yet, 1 John 1:9 promises us that if we confess our sins Jesus will forgive our sins. Despite my sin, Jesus is still pleading with the Father on my behalf to forgive me.
Many have asked why Friday is good. It’s good because even in my shame and sin, Jesus still chose the cross. Even in a crowd of mockers, Jesus still chose the cross. And knowing that it would bring salvation to everyone who calls on His name, Jesus chose the cross. I’m thankful for that selfless act of love. I pray that I’ll show my thankfulness by remembering I know exactly what I’m doing when I sin and choose Jesus instead.
