students of jesus

Even in suffering and death Jesus is our model. The New Testament accounts of Good Friday are his grace-gift to us, that we might see how a godly man faces injustice, suffering, and the end of life.

Good Friday shows Jesus facing punishment and torture. It does not turn away from the reality of suffering and it reminds us that Jesus, the divine Son of God, was also fully human. He was beaten; he bled. He was whipped; and his flesh opened up. He was stripped naked before others; he felt the shame. He was pierced; he felt the agony. Though weakened and dying from his injuries he spoke to his family, he encouraged those beside him, he cried out to God, and after he was sure is work was finished, then—and only then—did he himself give up his life.

Human suffering is made noble for only one reason: that Jesus, the Son of Man suffered. His holiness forever sanctified all suffering. Jesus did not “taste” human suffering, rather it is we who taste his. Good Friday teaches us that the Son of God wanted no separation between his life and ours. He drank the cup of humanity down to the dregs.

Even in suffering we hear him speak. The Lord used his voice to forgive and to comfort his family. He uses his voice to share his need and discomfort. He uses his voice to connect with one more human soul, the man crucified by his side.

And he used his voice in one final way: Jesus asked God “Why?” and in so doing he gave us permission to do the same. If he can ask God “Why?” so can we. What’s more—just moments later—the same One who felt forsaken and cried out “Why?” then said: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Jesus moved from asking God why to trusting everything to the Father. In these two statements he taught us a final lesson: even when we do not understand why, our surest choice is to commit ourselves into the loving hands of the Father.”