Today is Good Friday. It is the day that we remember Jesus dying on the cross for us. He died to take the punishment for our sin and bring us salvation. As I reflect today I think of the way Jesus surrendered His life for us. I was reminded that Jesus surrendered three things for us.
Jesus surrendered His will at Gethsamane
Matthew 26:36-39 – Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” [37] He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. [38] He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” [39] He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Jesus surrendered His will to the will of the Father. He was so stressed and beside Himself with grief that He prayed to His heavenly Father to take away His task. But Jesus also knew what needed to be done and He surrendered His will so He could purchase our salvation. At this moment Jesus knew His Father’s will and our salvation was more important than His will. Jesus surrendered His will in Gethsemane.
Jesus surrendered His rights at Gabbatha
John 19:13-16 – When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). [14] It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!” [15] “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!” “What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back. [16] Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away.
When Jesus was before Pilate being questioned He surrendered His right to defend Himself. He chose not to speak or answer Pilate’s questions. Even when Pilate said I have the power to put you to death, He only said he had no power but that which was given by His Father. Jesus was so committed to His Father’s will that He gave up His rights at Gabbatha.
Jesus gave up His life at Golgotha
John 19:17-20 – Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). [18] There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. [19] And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” [20] The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.
Jesus surrendered His life on the cross at Golgotha. In John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus had finished His task of dying on the cross for our sin. He had completed the will of the Father. The price had been paid in full. With His last words and breath He declared it is finished and He gave up His life at Golgotha.
Closing reflection
As I reflect today on Good Friday I am both sad and joyous. Sad that my sin caused Jesus to die a horrific death on the cross for me. But joyous that the way of salvation is now open to me. Jesus paid the price for my sin. By faith and belief in Him and what He did on the cross I have salvation. My eternal destiny is secure because of His death for me and my trust in Him.
It is my hope and prayer that you have put your faith and trust in Jesus too. He died for your sin. He died for your freedom. He died so you could be forgiven, set free and so you could live forever with Him in eternity. Look to Jesus on this Good Friday. Look to His love that held Him to that cross. Look to His willingness to save you at any price. Look to One who gave up His will, His rights and His life for you.