If we had been with Jesus through the betrayal, arrest, trials, beatings, crucifixion and death, it would have been devastating. How could things change so quickly? Instead of the conquering King we lauded on Sunday we now have just another promising leader who was put to death.

You and I were not there. We have the advantage of hindsight. We know His horrible death paid for our sin and the sins of everyone else. We also know that Sunday is coming.

Good Friday is a reminder of the overwhelming price our sin demanded, and that Jesus went through all that cruel punishment for our sake. That should produce a profound sense of gratitude. And we anticipate the joyful celebration of His victory on Sunday, along with our entry into His presence one day because of His gracious love and mercy.

Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the Tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away, Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

Follow to the judgment hall, View the Lord of life arraigned;
Oh, the wormwood and the gall!  Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff’ring, shame, or loss; Learn of Him to bear the cross

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;  There adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry;  Learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb Where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom,–Who hath taken Him away?
Christ is risen, He meets our eyes!  Savior, teach us so to rise

The Lutheran Hymnal #159