Good Friday offers the chance to remember the sacrifice and understand the historical significance of the religious commemoration.
That according to Freedom Life Church McMinnville Senior Pastor Anthony Campbell. The term “Good Friday” is based on the history of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to scripture, Jesus died on a Friday afternoon, before resurrecting on Sunday.
“You definitely need to slow things down and take a look at what God has done for you,” Campbell said. “Because Good Friday is a sober reminder of God’s amazing grace. And a sober reminder of how much God really loves humanity.”
Campbell said while the Friday before Easter marks one of the darkest days in Jesus’ life, the experience allowed Christians their salvation as the price of mortal sin was paid in full by the son of God.
“Good Friday means everything to the believer. But having said that, that’s not the end of the story. Thank God that there’s resurrection Sunday [that] also took place,” Campbell said.
Campbell said Good Friday has always been one of the most important days of the year to him and his fellow Christians.
With sacrifice and sin being a consistent theme of this time of year, Pastor Campbell emphasized the role of flesh and blood as a payment for wrongdoing, citing Leviticus 17:11 to explain how blood and sacrifice serve as a symbol for life.
For Christians, Campbell said by paying the ultimate penalty with his life, Jesus portrayed God’s love through his actions and commitment.
“Just take some time to praise God for his love for you,” Campbell said. “Jesus paid it all on the cross. Jesus spoke seven times in six hours.”
Throughout the processions this weekend, Campbell said he hopes the holiday and the scripture reminds those the power of selflessness, compromise and community through God’s teachings.
