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
John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you… not as the world gives.” This peace remains steady through life’s storms.
d) His Discipline Purchased Our Freedom
Every beating Jesus took on His back brought freedom from fear, guilt, torment, and confusion. He was wounded, not just to forgive, but to restore your sanity and settle your heart.
Biblical Example: When Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:39), it was a physical demonstration of the peace He now gives us spiritually through His suffering.
5. BY HIS STRIPES, WE ARE HEALED
Healing is not a bonus—it’s a blood-bought right.
a) Healing Is in the Atonement
The stripes on Jesus’ back were not for decoration; they were for our deliverance. Healing is part of what Jesus died to give us.
b) Spiritual Healing Comes First
Sin is the root of man’s brokenness. Jesus dealt with the root so the fruit—righteousness, peace, and joy—can manifest.
c) Physical and Emotional Healing Are Available
Whether it’s cancer, trauma, depression, or loss—Jesus’ sacrifice covers it all. There is no sickness too big for the cross.
d) Healing Is Our Portion in Christ
Psalm 103:2–3 says God “forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases.” Both forgiveness and healing come from the same fountain—the blood of Jesus.
Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34) touched the hem of His garment in faith and was instantly healed. Today, we don’t just touch His garment—we are covered by His blood.
CONCLUSION:
Good Friday is not just a day to wear black or fast—it is a day to celebrate divine exchange. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, bore our grief so we could walk in joy. He died our death so we could live His life. He endured the wrath of God so we could experience the favour of God.
Let us not take His sacrifice lightly. Let it provoke deep repentance, lasting gratitude, and committed living.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the finished work of the cross.
2. Father, help me never to take Your sacrifice for granted.
3. Jesus, heal every area of brokenness in my life.
4. Lord, let the power of the cross be evident in my family.
5. I claim my peace and healing through Your blood.
6. Every shame in my life, be exchanged for glory in Jesus’ name.
7. Lord, fill my heart with gratitude and worship for Your suffering.
8. Father, help me to walk in the full benefits of Your death.
