04/03/2026
Read John 19:1-30
As a kid, I used to get Good Friday and Black Friday mixed up. I always called the day Jesus died as Black Friday, firmly believing there was nothing good about that day. Jesus had been beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. The crowds watched, some with hatred, some with sadness, and some not understanding what was really happening.
Jesus hung on that cross, every breath bringing pain. Every movement bringing suffering. He had to endure this humiliation and defeat in front on everyone – even his mother. How could any good come of this?
But there was something happening.
As He hung on the cross, every moment of pain carried purpose. Every breath was moving toward something. This wasn’t just suffering—it was a rescue. Jesus was taking on sin, shame, and brokenness—all the things that separate us from God.
And then, in His final moments, Jesus said three powerful words: “It is finished.” He wasn’t saying, “I’m finished.” He was saying, “The work is finished.”
Everything that needed to be done to bring us back to God—finished. Every sin paid for—finished. Every barrier between us and God—removed. Nothing more needed to be added. No extra effort, no earning, no proving. Jesus completed it all on the cross.
That is the definition of good: A God who loves us so much that He sent His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shouldn’t perish but have life and life eternal.
Family Reflection:
Read the Scripture together. It can be hard to go through some of the story with kids as it invites questions. But don’t shy away from them. As a family, talk about how God is good to us. How Jesus defines what is good.
Take a dry erase marker and draw the sign of the cross on your door/window. The next three days, every time you see it, remind yourself of just how good God is.