“…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them…”
2 Corinthians 5:19 NIV
I need not ask, “Have you ever had a bad day?” For I presume you would reply, “Who hasn’t had one?”
The important issue isn’t about having a bad day. The crucial concern is how will we handle the bad day when it comes, especially as to our attitude, approach, or actions. On the day of his death, Jesus modeled how to handle a bad day.
Someone may ask, “How can the day of someone’s death, which at the least is emotionally bad, be considered a good day?” One contemporary explanation is because of the good that came out of the seemingly bad day. What came out of that excruciatingly bad day for Jesus was something exceptionally and eternally good for us.
Every year on Good Friday, Christians worldwide gather to commemorate the impactful significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death on a cross by reciting and expounding on “The Seven Last Sayings of Christ.”
Preserved in the gospel writings, these sayings were uttered by Jesus during his final six agonizing hours of life on the cross from approximately 9 AM to 3 PM. This event holds profound theological importance as the atoning propitiating sacrifice—the death that fully satisfied the payment for our sins and redemption (Matthew 20:28; 1 John 2:2). One of the best-loved hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross,” expresses why Christians cherish the emblem of the cross.
We cannot fully comprehend the significance of Christ’s death without hearing and understanding his voice from the cross on Calvary — the summit that became the platform for redemption, the place of reconciliation and the precursor of the resurrection.
Jesus didn’t say many words during his final hours of life. Yet, the final words of a dying person provide a piercing portrait. Conveyed within his last seven sayings are spiritual principles germane to the message of the gospel. They also provide practical principles, which I offer as takeaways, for how we can handle a bad day in our lives.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Takeaway: treat people right regardless of how people treat you (Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32). You can’t go wrong with God, doing right by people. God is not going to judge you for how people treat you, but he will judge you by how you treat people.
2. “Today, you’ll be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Takeaway: how you view today has an impact on what you’ll experience tomorrow! It won’t always be as it is now. In the bad, focus on the good to come (Hebrews 12:2).
3. “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27a). Takeaway: prioritize the importance of what’s best for the family instead of your plans or in spite of your pain (John 19:27b).
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Takeaway: you may bear some loads in life alone (Galatians 6:5). In those moments, as Jesus did in this one, talk to God.
5. “I thirst” (John 19:28). Takeaway: find some means of refreshing relief, even if for a moment. Jesus had a brief refreshing moment when he tasted the soaked sponge of sour wine given to him (John 19:29-30a).
6. “It is finished” (John 19:30b). Takeaway: finish what you’re called to (2 Timothy 4:7). Regardless of what you’re dealt, complete what you can even if it’s seemingly small.
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46). Takeaway: give it over to God. Entrust your way, future, even your life into the hands and care of God (Psalm 31:5, 15).
How true the Apostle Paul is in writing, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT).
Rev. Johnson Beaven III is a speaker, theological educator, and ministry mentor. For more information, view linktr.ee/johnsonbeaven. Follow him on X @jbeaven or contact him for engagements via email at jb3ministries@gmail.com.
