Good Friday: The Man Of Sorrows

GOOD FRIDAY: THE MAN OF SORROWS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 53:3–5

Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:36–46, 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 4:15, Romans 5:8, Philippians 2:5–11

INTRODUCTION:

Good Friday is a solemn and sacred day that brings to remembrance the immense sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. It is not just a day of mourning, but a day of honour, reflection, and deep gratitude. Isaiah 53 paints a prophetic portrait of Jesus as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” He bore our pain, carried our sin, and endured unspeakable suffering to reconcile us to God.

Jesus did not die an accidental death—He laid down His life willingly. Every stripe, every thorn, every nail was part of the redemptive plan. His suffering was substitutionary: He suffered, so we could be healed; He died, so we could live.

Today, we will explore the significance of Jesus’ suffering, the depth of His love, and what it accomplished for us.

1. HE WAS DESPISED AND REJECTED FOR OUR ACCEPTANCE

Jesus was forsaken by men so we could be accepted by God.

a) Rejected by His Own People

John 1:11 says, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” The very ones He came to save turned their backs on Him. He was falsely accused, betrayed, and abandoned even by His closest friends.

b) Endured Public Humiliation

Jesus was spat on, mocked, and beaten. The crowd that once shouted “Hosanna!” now screamed “Crucify Him!” He bore shame that we might be clothed in honour and righteousness.

c) Felt the Pain of Loneliness

In the Garden of Gethsemane, He cried out in agony while His disciples slept. On the cross, He exclaimed, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). He was isolated so we might never be alone.

d) He Was Rejected So We Could Be Accepted

Ephesians 1:6 tells us that we are “accepted in the Beloved.” Through Christ’s rejection, we have become sons and daughters of God, fully welcomed into His presence.

Biblical Example: Peter denied Him, Judas betrayed Him, and the disciples fled. Yet Jesus went on, enduring rejection to secure our eternal acceptance.

2. HE CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWS

The weight of our pain was upon His shoulders.

a) Jesus Took Our Emotional Burdens

Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” He understands our inner struggles—depression, anxiety, heartbreak—and took them upon Himself.

b) He Suffered Physically for Our Wholeness

Every wound on His body was a payment for our healing. 1 Peter 2:24 affirms, “By His stripes, you were healed.” Physical healing is part of the finished work of the cross.

c) He Endured Mental and Spiritual Agony

In Gethsemane, His soul was “exceedingly sorrowful unto death.” He battled emotional anguish so we could walk in peace.

d) He Took Our Pain to Give Us Peace

Isaiah 53:5 declares, “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” His suffering purchased our inner calm, our restored minds, and the peace that passes understanding.

Biblical Example: In Gethsemane, Jesus fell on His face in deep sorrow (Matthew 26:39), carrying the emotional weight of the world even before the physical suffering began.

3. HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS

The innocent was punished so the guilty could be pardoned.

a) Jesus Took Our Place on the Cross

Romans 5:8 says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He took the punishment that we deserved and gave us righteousness in return.

b) The Nails Were Meant for Us

The nails that pierced His hands and feet represent the judgement of sin. He bore them so we could be forgiven and made whole.

c) The Crown of Thorns Symbolised Our Curse

Thorns were a result of the curse from the fall in Eden (Genesis 3:18). By wearing a crown of thorns, He bore the curse to release us into the blessing.

d) His Wounds Bring Healing, Not Just Forgiveness

Salvation is not only forgiveness of sins but also restoration of health and destiny. Jesus bled to redeem every area of our lives—spirit, soul, and body.

Biblical Example: Barabbas, a condemned criminal, was set free while Jesus took his place. This paints a vivid picture of substitutionary atonement (Matthew 27:15–26).

4. HE WAS CHASTISED TO BRING US PEACE

He was punished so we could enjoy peace with God and within ourselves.

a) The Cross Reconciles Us with God

Jesus bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful man. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

b) Peace Is a Covenant Right

Isaiah 54:10 promises that God's covenant of peace will never be removed. Jesus sealed that covenant with His blood.

c) His Peace Is Beyond Circumstances