Friday was Good; Sunday is Far Better

We celebrate the Resurrection on Sundays, the first day of the week. The Friday before Easter every year is known as Good Friday. However, as you will see below, Sunday is far better!

Friday was Good; Sunday is Far Better

What made Friday good was the fact that Jesus died.

Paul Tripp writes, “What could be more terrible than Good Friday? Could any injustice be greater? Could any loss be more painful? Could any suffering be worse?” The only man who ever lived a life that was perfect in every way possible, who gave his life for the sacrifice of many, and who willingly suffered from birth to death in loyalty to his calling, was cruelly and publicly murdered in the most vicious ways.”

Jesus willingly died. Jesus chose the cross.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus knew the time had come to go to the cross to pay for the sins of the world. He tells the disciples who have fallen asleep while He prayed:

Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” (Mark 14:41-42)

Jesus knew and understood what was happening. He willingly walked toward the cross in order to pay for the sins of the world.

The only thing that made Good Friday good was the death of Jesus for the sins of the world.

What makes Resurrection Sunday far better?

On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus rose from the grave! Here is how Mark explains it:

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6)

Friends, this was not simply good news for the women who visited the grave to help with the body of Jesus, this is great news for each one of us as well. The grave has been defeated! Paul highlights this fact:

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Cor 15:20-23)

With the resurrection of Jesus Christ, death was defeated. The grace has no more victory over us. Whereas we all died spiritually in Adam and face eternal punishment, in Jesus Christ, we all are now made alive for eternal life. Jesus was the firstfruits; we are next.

Sunday is far better!

Yes, the cross is wonderful for those of us who have been saved. Jesus’ death paved the way for our forgiveness. Jesus paid the debt we owed but could never pay. But, that’s not all Jesus did. In His resurrection, He defeated death and the grave, and He demonstrated God’s pleasure in His perfect sacrifice. The resurrection is proof positive that we, based upon the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, can have life as well.

Sunday made it all OK again! Friday night every follower of Jesus Christ at the crucifixion went to bed devastated.

Sunday morning, after the news began to spread, they all woke up victorious. Sunday is far better!

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