"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9
There have been times the past few months and days when I have wondered, “Does Jesus really love us?" It's definitely not a cute question, but it's an honest one. And on this Good Friday, I’m reminded of the answer.
Jesus was betrayed so we could be saved. He was put on trial so we could be pardoned. He carried the cross to one day lift every burden.
Jesus was beaten so we could be restored. He was nailed so we could be set free. He was pierced so we could be made whole.
Jesus suffered so we could know a day with no pain. He breathed His last breath so that His beloved children could have new life. He died so we could be born again.
Suddenly, the initial question seems absolutely ridiculous. We can't even imagine His deep, deep love for us.
He loves us no less today than on our best day. He loved us no less last Monday in Nashville than He will this Easter Sunday. He will love us no less tomorrow than He did when He was nailed to the cross at Calvary.
This is some really good news.
It's good news on Good Friday; it's good news for the terror of last Monday. It's good news for your wedding day; it's good news on a funeral day. It's good news for your shining moment; it's good news amidst your darkest hour. It's good news when you're in the sanctuary; it's good news when you're in the pit of despair.
The unchanging love of Jesus is good news for today and all of our days. From the fall in the Garden of Eden to Jesus's submission to His Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane are reminders of our great need for an ever-loving Redeemer.
You need a redeemer. I desperately need a redeemer. March 27th needs a redeemer. This Good Friday needs a redeemer. And out of His deep love for us, our Redeemer has come.