Holy Week Devotion – Good Friday, Morning (April 18, 2025)

Scripture:

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

— Isaiah 53:4–5 (ESV)

Reflection:

This morning breaks with solemnity, for today is Good Friday—the day our Lord was crucified. The cross, an instrument of shame, became the altar of our redemption. Isaiah saw it centuries before it came to pass: the Suffering Servant would carry our griefs, bear our iniquities, and be pierced so that we could be healed.

As the sun rises, reflect on the weight of this moment. Jesus did not suffer by accident—He chose the cross. Every lash, every nail, every breath was part of the divine plan to reconcile you to God. What the world sees as tragedy, heaven declares as triumph.

Today is not good because of what happened to Jesus—it is good because of what He accomplished through it. Peace, healing, forgiveness—all purchased at Calvary. Let your heart bow low in reverence, and rise in gratitude for the Savior who died in your place.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You bore my griefs and carried my sorrows. You were pierced for my sins and crushed for my redemption. Thank You for the cross. Keep me near it today—quiet, humbled, and filled with awe. Amen.

Greek Word:

σταυρόω (stauroō) — to crucify

Used throughout the New Testament to describe Christ’s suffering and sacrificial death for sinners.

Hebrew Word:

מַכְאֹב (makh’ov) — sorrow, pain

Used in Isaiah 53 to convey the deep, personal suffering borne by the Servant of the Lord on behalf of His people.