Good Friday

This is arguably the most important day in human history, next to Easter Sunday.

Like I said before, the Resurrection is impossible without the Cross.

I have read some damfool stuff to the effect that Jesus didn't really die on the Cross.

No.

Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body. Pilate, surprised that Jesus died so quickly, sent a centurion to make sure. When the centurion reported back that Jesus was dead, Pilate released the body to Joseph (see Matthew 27:57ff, Mark 43:15ff, Luke 23:5ff, John 20:38ff).

My point is this: the Roman Army had killing, especially crucifixion, down to an exact science. If a Roman centurion (commander of a hundred) said Jesus was dead, you can bet your soul and your eternity that He was dead.

My recollection of childhood is that Good Friday was almost always gray, dingy, cold, and barren. It seemed to fit. Today, as I write, it's sunny and warm. That fits too. Remember we're dealing with a mystery: no matter how much we think about it, we never get to the end of it.

But in our thinking, we have to remember that Jesus submitted Himself to this out of love. That's what it's all about.