Good Friday.
The day that changed everything.
Jesus died on the cross.
For you.
And for me.
There was no other way for the door to be opened for us to have relationship with God, but by the forgiveness of our own sin, through Christ’s payment on our behalf. And it was a day of miracles…
– “Darkness came over all the land.” (Matthew 27:25) From noon on Friday until 3 pm, the skies grew dark. It’s hard to imagine what the people were feeling when they saw this happen, but I would think that some became fearful, terrified, realizing what they’d done, and that Jesus was indeed who He said He was. This was a very real picture of both physical and spiritual darkness that occurs without belief in Christ. Even nature all around gave testimony of who Christ was and the grief of what was happening.
– At the very moment that Jesus breathed his last breath, the Temple veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies, the actual dwelling place of God among the people, was torn in 2 from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51) Sometimes in our minds, we picture a thin veil covering this entrance, but history records that the veil was actually about 60 feet tall and up to 4″ in thickness. The size of the veil would have made it impossible for any human to tear this in 2 pieces. This was a complete miracle from God’s hand, signifying that He had opened the door for us to come in and have relationship with Him. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice so the veil, or separation, was no longer needed. We can now enter His presence through Christ Himself.
– “The earth shook and the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:51) A huge earthquake shook the land right at the very time Christ died. The Bible says that at the exact time of Jesus’ death, the earth trembled. The whole earth cried out for the death of the Savior. God tells us in Luke 19:40, if we stay silent, even “the stones will cry out.”
– Graves opened up and the saints came out and after the resurrection they appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:52-53) Can you imagine what this looked like? The dead arose when Jesus died. God brought to life what was dead to fulfill His purposes. Again He reminds us that the final victory of Christ conquered death. He is Lord over all. He reigns victorious over sin and death!
– Lives were changed. Many began to realize who Jesus really was, the truth revealed, they could no longer deny it. Matthew 27:54 says, “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, Surely he was the Son of God!” The realization sank deep. The Truth that had the power to change lives. To make all things new. To offer fresh starts, new beginnings, forgiveness, and purpose.
“If you confess with you mouth Jesus and Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9
It’s that simple. Yet so profound. The most powerful story ever told…
Incredible sacrifice.
Amazing grace.
Lavish love.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Cor. 9:15
Hi Debbie, What a beautiful post that honors our Lord. This is just what I needed for encouragement today. Thank you for this.
Debbie,
Great revelation on Jesus death and resurrection
Praise the Lord
A beautiful imagery that you gave us in showing that day that God/Jesus intersected our world in such a profound way! Unconditional love beyond comprehension.
Thank you for sharing the gift of writing that God has given you and the words that He places on your heart to speak to us. I am always touched when I read your posts. ❤ Katie
Thank you Debbie, your heart is seen in what you wrote, a heart transformed by the power of that day ! Would love to someday take you up on sitting down with a cup of coffee and sharing the stories of life with the One who made it all possibly. Keep up the spreading of the Story, Buck Steele
Reading this aloud, but to myself alone has given me new hope, new peace, renewed in all respects. It was the scriptures and God’s promise that saves my soul and renews my spirit with God. I needed this on this Easter. Earlier I was crying. My son has just gone to prison. I’m at peace now.
Hi Debbie, thanks for sharing God’s words of encouragement. God wanted me to read this today and for us to be connected and share His powerful scripture. I was very low with alot of disappointments but God is faithful I feel strong and relieved. Iam only focusing and relying on Him in all circumstances.
Debbie it’s really a honour to come in contact with the these encouraging writing also inline with the powerful word from the bible that’s sooth the soul it brings tears to my eyes for these reminder to see how much god cares for us his children and a just word of encouragement to you continue the good job you been call to do may god bless you and your family continually amen
I’m so happy I came across your website Debbie! I’ve been reading a bunch of your articles tonight and I feel like you were speaking to me. The LORD has given you a gift of explaining HIS WORD and I’m encouraged to place my trust in the LORD for this emotional pain I have this night.
I have SUBSCRIBED to all your social media sites to glean off of your wisdom given to you (us) from our loving LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
God is so good! Thank you for the reminders at just how big of a deal Jesus’ death was. I am so thankful.
Praise God for your ministry! Love your writing & your sharing of His writing to us!
Thank you Debbie for the help you have given to me in Bible study, I would like if you can give me a short epilogue on Zaccheous, as I am leader in a prayer group and would like your, it is probably already on the web.
Thank you Debbie
Pray for us . We are refugees and need safe place.
God bless you
praise jesus for your ministry God is using you in a big way in my life am really encourage in my faith towards jesus christ continuing spreading love
Romans 10:9 is misquoted. The post itself was very informative.
I love how you point out how even creation cried out during these miraculous events. Being part of His creation, we join in with nature to honor and praise Him!
Wow! Debbie, you reminded me of so much of the word today. It truly filled me up for this week as we are reminded of the resurrection. I am going to study on these throughout the week.
Thank you for painting a picture of the awesome power and love of our Jesus. He is risen–hallelujah!
Debbie, it is so easy to quickly read through the Easter story because we have read it so many times in the last. Thank you for breaking it down and reminding us of the awesome power that was displayed that day.