(Good Friday 2025 reflections)

Today as we reflect on the crucifixion of our Savior over 2000 years ago, I’m mindful that the idea of death NEVER sounds like a good thing, and it most definitely does not sound like the start of something more glorious – like Christ’s resurrection and victory over sin. We tend to think of death as an END.

The day prior to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples enjoyed the Passover meal which we often refer to as “the last supper” (because it literally was His last supper with the disciples). They did not expect, nor would they understand how their Messiah could come to the end – death. Their expectations were far different than God’s plans. In fact, what we see from Peter’s vehement response to Jesus after being told about the impending death and resurrection of His Lord, it was apparent that he was not on the same page. “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16).
Notice Jesus’ jolting response: “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Death was not on Peter’s script. Especially for his messiah. He, like us, lacked the divine perspective and plan of God. We’re naturally tethered to a human mindset—drawn to the “things of man.”

As Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I find this text from Isaiah very comforting. I don’t need to have all the answers—I simply want to rest in the sovereign plan of God. We often view death as the final chapter, just as many once saw Jesus’ death as the end of all hope over 2,000 years ago. But we now know the end of the story. We have the benefit of history to assure us of the glorious outcome of Christ’s sacrifice.

On this Good Friday afternoon in 2025, may I lovingly remind us all at 412churchscv that OUR expectations often don’t align with God’s—yet HIS plan is ALWAYS greater.

There is so much more that could be said, but I will leave it there.

See you all Easter Sunday.