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| Pastor Ologunaye-Jacobs |
By 'Gbenga Bankole
The Assembly Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church, House Of Judah, Ibadan, Pastor Ologunaye-Jacobs has described the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on Good Friday as a solution to the sin of the world.
In his Good Friday message entitled "THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY," Pastor Jacobs explained that: "before the day tagged and known to be good Friday in the week called the passion week, there are lots of happenings just immediately after Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on donkey (Matthew 21:1-11John 12:12) called the palm Sunday.
"On Monday, Jesus Christ made what could be called spiritual cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:1222, Mark 11:1519, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17)."
"On Tuesday, Jesus Christ journeyed to the Mount of Olives (the turbulent events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse/talk on an elaborate prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He speaks, as usual, in parables, using symbolic language about the end times events, including His Second Coming and the final judgment. Matthew 21:2324:51, Mark 11:2013:37, Luke 20:121:36, and John 12:2038) Scripture also indicates that this Tuesday was also the day Judas Iscariot negotiated with the Chief Priest, to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)."
"Jesus Christ had rest on Wednesday (often called Holy Wednesday) that might be due to three days workload, preparation for the Passover on Thursday. And this day might have been the day Judas was able to perfect his transaction with the Chief Priest."
"On Thursday, called the Passover and last supper or Maundy Thursday (Matthew 26:1775, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38) From Bethany (thats where He often have His rest and not in Jerusalem not until the Thursday evening at the praetorian), Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how believers should love one another."
"On Friday called the good Friday, was the trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:1-62, mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37)."
"Good Friday is the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ's journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death.
According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.
Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment, just because of you and myself and every sinner who would come to him. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment known at the time."
"Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the cross. Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last breath and died."
"Good Friday, which marks the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and died in Calvary, falls on the Friday right before Easter. Across the world, Christians observe this solemn day with humility and reverence by remembering the passion and sacrifice of Christ. Although, all Christians are to always and everyday think and act on the pain of the cross that Jesus Christ passed through and not only on the said days; causing us to live a life that remembers the suffering He passed through for us."
"This day is symbolic of the win of good over evil because it is believed that Christ died for the sake of humanity; he bore the sacrifice on behalf of the rest of humankind and is considered the bridge between God and mortals. And these and many more are what Christians need to reflect on and live a life that is worthy of appreciating the life Jesus Christ lived while in the flesh on earth. To some, this day is called holy Friday, great Friday, black Friday and Easter Friday."
"Good Friday celebrations are marked by a sober, sorrowful tone. People spend the day fasting, meditating and remembering Christ through their prayers. Churches hold services but bells are not rung, and members and priests wear black clothes. The altar and pulpit of the church are left bare, and candles are not lit on this day."
"The significance of this day lies in the Church's commemoration of Christ's arrest, crucifixion, death and eventual resurrection.
The importance of the cross cannot be overemphasized.
It shows us that we are sinners.
Its a solution to our sins.
It brings pardon for our sins.
It also shows God’s love for all mankind."
OLOGUNAYE-JACOBS
Assembly Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church, House Of Judah, Joyce-B Road, Ake-Ado, Ibadan, Ọ̀yọ́ State, Nigeria.