Main Scripture Reference:
“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.”— Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
Sometimes it baffles me when people weep uncontrollably while watching a passion play, a film, or a dramatization of Jesus being whipped, tortured, and crucified. Not because the story isn’t moving—it is. But the reason for those tears, if we truly understood Scripture, should go far beyond sympathy for Jesus. Good Friday was never about feeling sorry for what He went through. Rather, it is about deep recognition and gratitude that everything He went through, He went through for you—intentionally, strategically, and sacrificially.
From the very beginning of His mission, Jesus came with a purpose. As 1 John 3:8 says, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” These “works” include sin, death, sickness, shame, guilt, bondage, poverty, and all forms of spiritual oppression. After Adam’s fall in Genesis 3, humanity became enslaved to sin, and death gained its sting. The enemy began his work of stealing, killing, and destroying—as Jesus described in John 10:10. But He didn’t leave us in that condition. Jesus came to reverse the curse and restore what was lost.
Every step Jesus took toward the cross was deliberate. Every moment of suffering held spiritual significance. He was not a victim of circumstance—He was a willing Savior walking toward your redemption.
Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” Jesus took on the very nature and punishment of sin so that you could receive the gift of righteousness—not by your merit, but by His sacrifice. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, as Isaiah prophesied. Each stripe He bore on His back was for your healing. With every whip, He paid the price for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration.
When they pressed a crown of thorns into His head (Matthew 27:29), it was not just a symbol of mockery; it was prophetic. Thorns came as a result of the curse in Genesis 3:18. By wearing that crown, Jesus bore the full curse of sin, including mental torment, anxiety, and poverty. The thorns piercing His scalp were heaven’s declaration that He would bear your mental anguish and restore your peace.
He carried the cross, a Roman instrument of shame and suffering, up the hill of Golgotha. But that cross represented more than just wood. According to Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…” On that cross, He took every curse that was meant for you, so that you might walk in blessing.
Even His betrayal by Judas served a redemptive purpose. Betrayal is one of the deepest wounds a human can suffer. Jesus endured it so that we would understand that He is no stranger to our pain, and that in Him, there is healing from even the deepest emotional scars.
And then, the shedding of His blood—oh, the blood! Leviticus 17:11 tells us that “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” When Jesus bled, He was pouring out His very life for ours. Hebrews 12:24 tells us His blood speaks “better things” than the blood of Abel. While Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance, the blood of Jesus cries out for mercy, grace, healing, forgiveness, and eternal life on behalf of you.
He became poor so that through His poverty, we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Not just materially, but rich in salvation, joy, peace, wisdom, and the fullness of God’s Spirit. He was chastised so that you could have peace. He was rejected so that you could be accepted. He died, so that you could live.
His resurrection was not just a victory over death; it was the birth of a new life for all who believe. Just as He rose, so too can everything that sin tried to kill in your life—your purpose, your joy, your peace, your destiny—rise again.
So yes, we may feel sorrow as we reflect on the pain He endured. But let us remember: Good Friday is not about mourning what Jesus went through—it’s about rejoicing in what He accomplished for you. He didn’t suffer for sympathy. He suffered for salvation. He didn’t die in defeat. He died in victory—your victory.
Jesus became so that you might become.
He suffered so that you might be set free.
He died so that you might truly live.
Good Friday was never about Him. It was always about you.
