Breathed His Last

Today is Good Friday.  Every year when this day arrives on the calendar I am reminded of a cartoon called, “B.C.”  In it, there is one character that questions why we would call this day “good,” when such an awful thing occurred on this day.  The other character in the cartoon asks his friend how he would feel if he knew he was going to be subjected to a similar fate on the cross and he heard that someone else would take his place.  His friend responds with a single word, “Good.”
The theology of what occurs on this day, when Jesus died upon a cross, is complex and often confusing.  However, we can rest in the fact that indeed this day was good because of God’s self-sacrificing love that was poured out for us on the cross, making possible our redemption and salvation.  While Good Friday may be a day that is shrouded in darkness, take heart, because the light of Easter is coming.
Luke 23
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.