Good Friday is a day of quiet reflection and meditation.
As Christians, on this day, we are often torn between sorrow and thankfulness. We are sorrowful because Jesus suffered and died on the cross, and thankful because Jesus took our place and suffered and died on the cross. As I was studying to write this devotional, I learned something new about Good Friday—Jesus wasn’t the only one who died on Good Friday, Judas died as well. As I considered these two deaths, I began to contrast them in my mind.
| Judas | Jesus |
| killed himself | sacrificed himself |
| his will | His Father’s will |
| hanged on a tree | hanged on a cross |
| guilty | innocent |
| died for his sins | died for our sins |
| destruction | salvation |
| Potter’s Field | an empty tomb |
| 30 pieces of silver | the blood of Christ |
The life of Judas.
When I was younger I used to hate Judas because he betrayed our Lord for thirty pieces of silver. As Christians, we would never do that…or would we? Haven’t there been times when we have chosen other things over Christ? Time with Christ can be easily replaced with controversial TV programs, questionable movies, and provocative books. However, we don’t always replace time with Jesus with bad things; time with Him can be replaced with good things as well, such as exercise, music, knitting or reading.
Now that I’m older I feel fear and sorrow over the life of Judas.
Fear, because one could walk so physically close with Jesus and still not have a heart for Him; sorrow, because Judas’ life did not have to end the way he chose. Jesus went to the cross for Judas as well. Instead of turning to Christ to solve his guilt and sin problem, Judas turned to death. The legacy of Judas could have been one of grace and forgiveness. Have you placed anything above God in your life? How can you fix this error?
Prayer:
Dearest Holy Father,
Thank you that Jesus went to the cross for every one of my sins. Thank you that but may boldly come and confess my sin to You. You are faithful and just to forgive me of my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Thank you, Jesus, for going to the cross in my place. I accept your death on the cross as payment for my sin. Help me to love You and follow You all the days of my life.
In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
(If you have not yet accepted Christ as your personal Savior, please take a moment and ask Him to come into your heart right now. There is no better time to become a Christian than Easter time!)
By Mary Kane
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved
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