Today is Good Friday, a sacred day when Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The cross of Calvary is not just a symbol of pain; it is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Jesus gave His life so that humanity could be saved. His suffering was not in vain; it was purposeful. It reminds us that sometimes, pain can carry purpose, and sacrifice can lead to salvation.
The Danger of Human Praise
As I reflect on this day, I am reminded of a popular Christian song: “Beware of the praises of men.” The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” during the triumphant entry later cried “Crucify Him!” when Pontius Pilate presented Jesus before them.
This moment teaches us a powerful lesson: human praise is often temporary and conditional. People celebrate you when it benefits them, but may turn against you when circumstances change.
As believers, we must be careful not to build our identity on human approval. Our worth must come from God, not from the applause of men.
Courage in the Face of Fear: Veronica
In the midst of chaos and rejection, one act of courage stands out: the story of Veronica. While many of Jesus’ followers disappeared in fear, Veronica stepped forward to wipe His face. She did not wait for permission or consider the risk. She simply acted out of compassion. See It Wasn’t Just a Friday.
Her courage reminds us that true faith is not silent. It shows up, even when it is dangerous or unpopular.
When Strength Fails: Simon of Cyrene
Another powerful lesson comes from Simon of Cyrene. As Jesus carried the cross, the weight became too much. At that moment, Simon was called to help Him carry it.
This teaches us something deeply human: even the strongest among us will face moments of weakness. Life can become overwhelming. The burdens we carry, pain, loss, disappointment, can feel too heavy. In those moments, God often sends people into our lives to help us carry what we cannot carry alone.
The Reality of Life’s Battles
Life is a battlefield. There will be seasons when we feel abandoned, just as Jesus was when many of His disciples fled, and Saint Peter denied Him. There will be times when we are misunderstood, rejected, or left to face our struggles alone.
But Good Friday reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not without purpose. Pain does not mean God has abandoned us; it may mean we are walking through a process that leads to something greater.
Walking Your Own Calvary
Good Friday is not just about what Jesus went through; it is also about how we live in response to it. An unexamined life is not worth living. We must ask ourselves if we are living like Christ, if we are standing for truth even when it is difficult and if we are going to be there for others in their time of need because one day, each of us will carry our own cross. See
And when that time comes, may we have the strength to endure and have people who will stand with us. And most importantly, may we have faith that just as the cross was not the end for Jesus, our struggles will not be the end for us. The story of Good Friday does not end in defeat; it leads to victory because after the cross comes resurrection.
