Good Friday: The Sacrifice That Saved The World

GOOD FRIDAY: THE SACRIFICE THAT SAVED THE WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 53:4-6 (KJV)

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Supporting Texts:

John 19:16-30; Romans 5:6-9; 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 John 4:10

INTRODUCTION:

Good Friday is not just a historical event; it is the divine turning point for all humanity. It is the day Jesus, the sinless Son of God, bore the sins of the world on the cross. It is a day of both mourning and deep gratitude—a solemn reflection on the cost of our salvation and the love that held Christ to the cross.

At the heart of Good Friday is the message of substitution—Jesus took our place. The punishment that belonged to us because of sin was laid on Him. He became the Lamb of God, sacrificed to reconcile man back to God. It was not nails that held Him on the cross, but love—love for you and me.

As we reflect on Christ's suffering and death today, let us look closely at the depth of His sacrifice, the power of His blood, and the victory that came through His death.

1. JESUS SUFFERED WILLINGLY FOR OUR SINS

a) The Suffering Was Not Accidental

Jesus knew what awaited Him at Calvary. Yet, He went willingly out of obedience and love (Matthew 26:39).

b) He Took Our Place

We deserved the punishment for sin, but He bore it in our stead (Romans 5:8).

c) His Suffering Was Intense and Personal

He was beaten, mocked, and crucified with agony (John 19:1-3; Luke 23:33).

d) He Was Forsaken So We Could Be Accepted

At the cross, Jesus experienced abandonment so we could be brought near (Matthew 27:46).

Biblical Example: The story of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 pointed to Christ—the ultimate Lamb whose blood saves from death.

2. THE POWER OF HIS BLOOD BRINGS REDEMPTION

a) The Blood Cleanses Sin

No longer do we need animal sacrifices; Jesus' blood cleanses once and for all (Hebrews 9:12).

b) The Blood Reconciles Us to God

Through the cross, we who were far off have been brought near (Ephesians 2:13).

c) The Blood Speaks Better Things

The blood of Jesus speaks mercy, not judgment (Hebrews 12:24).

d) The Blood Seals the New Covenant

His sacrifice established a better covenant between God and man (Luke 22:20).

Biblical Example: In the Old Testament, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies with blood. Jesus entered heaven itself with His own blood to redeem us (Hebrews 9:11-14).

3. THE CROSS REVEALS GOD’S LOVE FOR HUMANITY

a) Love That Paid the Ultimate Price

True love sacrifices. God gave His only Son for our sake (John 3:16).

b) Love That Took Initiative

Christ died for us even when we were sinners (Romans 5:8).

c) Love That Never Fails

Nothing can separate us from the love shown on the cross (Romans 8:38-39).

d) Love That Calls Us to Love Others

Because of His love, we are commanded to love one another (1 John 4:11).

Biblical Example: Jesus forgave even those who crucified Him, showing the depth of divine love (Luke 23:34).

4. THE CROSS GIVES US HOPE BEYOND THE GRAVE

a) The Death of Christ Was Not the End

Good Friday leads to Resurrection Sunday. Death was defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

b) Believers Now Have Eternal Life

Because He died, we live (John 11:25-26).

c) We Have Access to God

The veil in the temple was torn—direct access to God was granted (Matthew 27:51).

d) We Can Face the Future Without Fear

Our hope is anchored in the finished work of the cross (Colossians 2:14-15).

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross found eternal life in his dying moments through faith in Jesus (Luke 23:42-43).

CONCLUSION:

Good Friday reminds us that salvation is free, but it wasn’t cheap. The Son of God laid down His life that we might live. As we remember the nails, the crown of thorns, and the spear, let us also remember the words: “It is finished.” The debt has been paid, the power of sin broken, and the door to eternal life opened.

Let this day not just be a ritual in our calendar, but a fresh call to gratitude, repentance, and consecration. Let us live our lives in honour of the cross, and proclaim to others the message of this great sacrifice.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice You made for my salvation.