Shalom,
Let the mercy of God remain in effect because many people still do not know and admire Him. When commemorating the death of Jesus on this Good Friday, it is because of His mercy that we can still feel His extraordinary redemption even though Jesus’ crucifixion passed more than 2,000 years ago. It is also by His grace that we can listen to the Word of God, which makes our faith grow even more.
On Good Friday, most churches around the world proclaim the death of Jesus, who was crucified. We also take the death and the resurrection of Jesus as our themes to be echoed from year to year as we celebrate Pentecost and Christmas. Do we remember the death of Jesus only once a year as we celebrate Pentecost and Christmas day? How often did the apostles preach the death of Jesus Christ in their lifetime?
The Apostle Paul poured out his heart to the Corinthians, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
Did the Apostle Paul preach the crucified Jesus to the Corinthians (non-Jews) specifically on Good Friday only? Surely not! His words have been significant since the Apostle Paul began preaching the gospel of salvation to the Corinthians until this letter was written (for about 16 years); his decision had never changed; his words and preaching were not based on human wisdom but always echoed the message of the crucified Jesus.
He relied on the strength, the wisdom of God, and the cross comprising the mighty power of God. It is possible that the faith of the Corinthians was shaken. Hence, they no longer appreciated the sacrifice of Christ. That is why Paul reminded them not to rely on human wisdom and strength. Why? For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Therefore, if the message of the cross is only delivered at certain events, the congregation does not have the power of God but other forces that can destroy them. What is the evidence? Schism occurred (to whom the followers of Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ) in the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12); this means they were headed for destructions and havocs. Unity occurs only in the power of God and the death of Christ.
The Apostle Paul faced the Corinthian church, whose unity was disturbed because they had different views of the Gospel's preaching. “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:22-24). Therefore, the Apostle Paul reminded the death of Christ to the Corinthians who had been saved because false teachings had shaken their unity and intimacy.
Introspection: What about us, the Gentiles? Are we still passionate about appreciating the sacrifice of Christ?
Speaking of Christ's death, what happened at that event? The Gospel of Luke 23 lists three of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross:
- “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:33).
It is proven that only the Father can forgive and the Son is ready to accept the consequences of the punishment of sin in order to save mankind, His creation. It includes the two criminals on His left and right, His disciples and us as well. What do we get from the cross of Christ? Forgiveness is very much needed to become the foundation of Christianity that must not be lost altogether. The Apostle Paul, as a wise builder, said that no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, that is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11).
Preaching the cross so that the forgiveness of sins that have been longed for since human beings fell into sin took place. Because sin causes damage or destruction especially in the building of Christianity and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Therefore, Jesus seriously asked His Father for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Do those who hear His words or who read this verse want to believe and accept Him? No guarantee!
- “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom... And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). A criminal who was crucified next to Jesus was so sure Jesus would come as King. It was also on the cross that Jesus said that on that day the criminal would be with Him in Paradise. Jesus gave the safest assurance that Paradise was provided for him.
Preach the cross then Paradise is available! Death is no longer a frightening spectre for those who believe in Jesus. What a grace for the criminal whose life would only last for hours or even minutes. Suddenly his faith increased even though he knew Jesus would die soon but he had faith that Jesus would come as King! How about our faith? Do we really believe and long for His return?
- "Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit. "And after He cried out then, He gave up his When the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man!"” (Luke 23:46-47).
After forgiveness occurs and salvation is guaranteed, Jesus then shows how to ensure our lives, namely only to the Father. Therefore, our bodies, souls and spirits will be safe in His hands.
Initially, Saul (before being known by the name Paul) did not believe in Jesus even though he knew about His crucifixion. Instead, he hated Him so much that he arrested His followers for being considered a heretical sect. But after his encounter with Jesus whom he had persecuted, he repented (Acts 9:1-18) and changed utterly. He became a militant evangelist, and to his disciple, Timothy, he confessed as the greatest sinner (1 Tim. 1:15).
In his preaching, the apostle Paul always emphasised that Jesus was crucified and said that he was the most sinful man. We know that a sinner is a person who violates the commandments of God. The Bible gives an example of a rich young man who felt innocent because he had kept the commandments of God. He then asked Jesus what other good deeds he had to do to have eternal life. It is evident that when Jesus mentioned his wealth, he was sad and did not want to follow Jesus (Matt. 19:16-22).
It must be admitted that we have all sinned (Rom. 3:23). But why did Paul claim to be the most sinful man? What mistakes had he made? He did not kill, nor commit adultery, nor steal, nor bear false witness? He even kept the Law flawlessly (Phil. 3:5-6) compared to many of us.
He previously claimed to be a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man because he did it outside the faith (1 Tim. 1:12-13). However, he received grace in abundance from God to be an example for those who do not believe (vv. 14-16). What examples can we see from the life of Paul?
Formerly a persecutor → now compassionate towards the churches of God. Formerly a blasphemer → now praising and glorifying God.
Was fierce → now full of empathy.
The Apostle Paul experienced a drastic change in life after repenting and knowing the crucified Jesus.
It turns out that Paul claimed to be the most sinful person not because he committed physical crimes (murder, adultery, theft, lie) but because he blasphemed God, persecuted His followers and was vicious.
God wants us to proclaim the death of the crucified Jesus to help those whose faith has been shaken so that there is unity in the body of Christ. The sacrifice of Christ must be an indestructible foundation for the righteous (cf. Ps. 11: 3).
By the death of Jesus on the cross, we get forgiveness of sins, we are guaranteed a joyful life in Paradise and our body, soul and spirit are safe in Him. With this new life, we should not remain silent or complacent; instead, we must become an example for those outside God to believe and have eternal life with us. Amen.