I have always found the term "Good Friday" to be strange words for what was to have happened on that day 2000 plus years ago. Traditionally, Jesus was to have died on "Good Friday" and I assume that was "good" because with His death, life would be given to mankind. The thought is "good" but how he was tortured and hung on a cross, certainly doesn't bring the word "good" to my mind!
I also have been at odds with the tradition of the "church" in how it has become truth that Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday. I'm certainly not a theologian, nor a mathematician, but Jesus made it clear that he would die and 3 days and 3 nights later, he would rise (Matthew 12:40). Tradition teaches Jesus died Friday afternoon, buried before sundown, Saturday, then Saturday night, and then He rises on Sunday morning. Two days. Sort of.
When I studied this many years ago, I came to my conclusion of this strange tradition. Since the newly found state/church under Constantine, many traditions and newly created doctrines started to not only be taught, but forced on the people to help control and bring peace...or "fear" to keep people in line and give them reason to live under the newly formed government/religion.
Simple reading of scripture and other materials available from that period, you find that at the time of Passover, an 8 day long festival, Jesus was crucified in the middle of Passover and rose from the dead at the end of it. So many pictures of this throughout Scripture!
So does this matter at how we look at this day? I personally think it does. Bad doctrine is bad doctrine. This particular doctrine has become truth to many...and the only way it has become that, is that certain "religious wise men" have decided that the "Scriptures" are flawed...but after years and years of examining the Scriptures, I see more and more how God doesn't make mistakes in presenting His Truth. I may not understand all of it...but, I believe God is much bigger than man.
This post probably should have been written on my "Cyberservant" post! Oh well...guess I need to end by saying,"Have a good Friday?!"
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Cut-and-paste it to Cyberservant. It's a post worthy of both blogs!
So, the people, without the heart of God, didn't "pass over" God's house but killed his first-born son.
I am so pleased that some else has a problem with Sunday being 3 days after Friday!
I also like the idea of Good Friday being "good" since what happened allowed us all to go to heaven by grace. I am not sure if many of us would get there without grace.
Happy Easter!
Scripture teaches us that it is God's will that all mankind be saved. No one has the ability to earn that salvation. We can't do anything to receive it. But, because of God's love, mercy, and grace, He made a way for all to be saved...accoording to His will. Jesus' death and resurrection has provided the way, the grace, that we all so desperately need.
Happy Easter! This is a day worth celebrating.
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