The cross is also a symbol of victory. Good Friday is a day which doesn’t feel good at all. We reflect on Jesus’ death on the cross, and think of the suffering He had to go through. When we think about the cross it may look like evil has triumphed over goodness, the powerful over the powerless, but that’s not the truth. Jesus’ death on the cross was actually good overpowering evil. Jesus was triumphing. When He cried out, ‘It is finished’ (some translations say ‘It is completed’), He didn’t mean, ‘I’m finished, My cause is defeated.’ Far from being crushed, Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness. ‘In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross’ (Colossians 2:15 NLT). And He changed how we could relate to God. No longer would we be bound by sin and shame; instead, He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be right with God. Love triumphed over law. The Bible says: ‘Christ…brought the Law to an end, so that everyone who believes is put right with God’ (Romans 10:4 GNT). And three days later the empty tomb proved Jesus had won the victory over death. Jesus’ victory over evil gives us hope today. Whatever we’re facing, we know we can be victorious because Jesus was victorious. We’re overcomers because He has already overcome. John 16:33 says, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (NIV). Sin, shame, and struggles can’t overcome us because Jesus has already overcome. So this Good Friday, let’s remember that the cross wasn’t the end – Jesus rose victorious.

What Now?

Invite some friends and family over. Spend time reflecting together on the sadness of Good Friday, but then have a party to celebrate Jesus’ victory.