The Joy of Good Friday

Isaiah 53:5: But he was pierced for our transgressions,

    he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

I have always been depressed by Good Friday, and Isaiah 53 holds so much sorrow.

I never want to stop learning of Jesus’ suffering, or value it less. However, I am choosing to look at the joy of Good Friday today.

Hebrews 12:2: fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My husband Murray often prays, “Jesus, thank you that when you knew there was no other way to save us, thank you that you jumped up on the cross for us.”

I’ve argued with Murray about this. I say I’m not sure we should say that Jesus jumped up on the cross. It’s not like he was happy about it.

And yet, isn’t that what Hebrews 12 is saying?

Because of the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross and scorned the shame of it. The joy set before him. That’s us, the joy of our salvation.

Yes, he was punished, but that’s what brought us peace. He was wounded, but that is how we were healed.

Jesus saw the joy in that, so I will too.

Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to jump up on the cross for me.