Christ’s crucifixion was brutal. He was first flogged with a flagellum, a whipping instrument with bone, sharp shards, and iron balls attached. Jesus’ arms were extended so his back muscles were stretched tight. Roman soldiers would strike and twist the flagellum, each blow exposing more of Christ’s muscles and bones. The blood loss was terrible. It is the reason Jesus was so weakened that He could not carry the cross the entire distance to Calvary.

Jesus was beaten, spit upon, and mocked by the soldiers. A crown of thorns was mashed upon his head, digging the thorns deep into his brow. The crucifixion itself was ghastly; His wrists and feet pierced with eight-inch spikes. As Jesus hung on the cross, the only way to breathe was to push His feet up to relieve the pressure on His internal organs. It was a brutal death.

And yet, we still call it Good Friday. Not because of our suffering Savior and the pain He endured but because of why He died on the cross. He died for us… for you… for me… for all of us. Jesus loved us so much that He suffered and died to save us from eternal punishment. His blood washed away our sins so that we might live eternally with Him.

We must remember that Jesus’ life was not taken… it was given. That is why it is Good Friday. When soldiers led Him away from the garden, Jesus told His disciples, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54)

Jesus endured the cross “to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28b) Because of His sacrifice, it is Good Friday for each of us. We need only accept His gift, and it is ours.

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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)