Our Mighty Substitute

It seems strange to celebrate the worst day in history. Truly, the day that Jews and Gentiles colluded to murder the Son of God eclipses (by far) every other horror in our broken, fallen world. And yet, it seems inadequate to call this Friday merely "Good," because (thus far in history) the only day greater than this was the day that Jesus emerged from the tomb, alive -- the day when Satan's greatest triumph proved to be his utter downfall. 

I love these words from Peter's sermon in Acts 2:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

It was not possible for death to hold Jesus in the tomb! His resurrection was not so much a miracle as an inevitability (though it was, indeed, miraculous!). When God loosed the pangs of death for Jesus, He loosed them for all who would trust in Him as Savior. 

Instead of death, life.
Instead of despair, hope.
Instead of defeat, victory.  

Over the past few weeks, I've been reading Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, a collection of essays written by theologians throughout history. Its bite-sized meditations have been good for the soul, so I'll include an excerpt from J.C. Ryle below:

 

Was He flogged? 

It was done so that 'by His wounds we are healed' (Isa. 53:5). 

Was He condemned, though innocent? 

It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty.

Did He wear a crown of thorns?

It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory.

Was He stripped of His clothes?

It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness.

Was He mocked and reviled?

It was done so that we might be honored and blessed.

Was He reckoned a criminal, and counted among those who have done wrong?

It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin.

Was He declared unable to save Himself?

It was so that He might be able to save others to the uttermost.

Did He die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death?

It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.

-- Excerpt from J.C. Ryle's commentary on Matthew, quoted in Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross