GOOD FRIDAY

READ:
Romans
5:1-11

Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6

Dale Foreman, a Harvard- trained lawyer, calls the trial of Jesus "one of the most significant show trials in history." A show trial is a legal drama staged by authorities to make a political statement.

From Jesus' inquisition before the Sanhedrin to His mob-incited sentencing by Pilate, Mr. Foreman sees efforts by Jerusalem and Rome to flex their political muscle and assert their power.

If Jesus' trial was "just for show," what did it show? The theological correctness of the religious authorities? The justice and power of Rome? The weakness of Jesus of Nazareth? Certainly not!

The trial of Jesus, with its false accusations, legal errors, and physical abuse, showed the incredible love of God. "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Many times we are tempted to wonder if God really loves us. When disappointment, tragedy, or failure stalks us, we ask "Why?" and often feel abandoned. Where can we look for the assurance of God's love?

The Bible urges us to look to the cross.

·  Instead of retaliating against His accusers, Jesus remained silent.

·  The One who could have called angels to His rescue took the insults and abuse of wicked, cruel men.

·  The Son of God, who could have come down from the cross and judged the hypocrites who taunted Him, endured unspeakable agony to purchase our salvation.

Why? Because of love. If we try to gauge God's love by our circumstances, we will always be disappointed. But if we measure the love of God by the cross, we will always be encouraged.

We call today Good Friday because it showed conclusively, for all time and eternity, the incredible love of God. --DM