Joseph Lewis D’Silva
Good Friday
One of the criminals who was hanging with Jesus said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingly power.” (Lk.23:42).
Jesus replied, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43).
Abraham’s bosom
The word ‘Paradise’ here, does not refer to final Heaven; where Jesus was taken up after 40 days of His resurrection. (Acts 1:3).
Jesus meant the thief would join Him in Abraham’s Bosom (a place of rest in Hades; also called: ‘realm of the dead’ --- referred as Sheol in Hebrew and Hades in Greek. This realm had different sections as seen in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (Lk. 16:22-26). It is here that Figures, like Adam and Eve, Lazarus and Abraham etc. , who had died before Jesus, were waiting for the Redeemer, to go to Heaven.
Doors of Heaven: Closed & opened
No one could go to heaven before ascension of Jesus, as the doors of heaven were ‘closed’ after Adam’s sin. (Gen. 3:24).
When Jesus died, “… the Temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mt. 27:51). This signified that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. The book of Hebrews confirm this: “… through Jesus a new living way has been opened for us.” (Heb. 10: 19-20). These verses from Matthew and Hebrew collectively emphasize how Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the doors of heaven.
Holy Saturday
Decended into hell
On Good Friday, Jesus was put to death in the body. On the second day (Saturday), while His body was in the tomb; (Lk 23:53); His soul/spirit. “…descended to the lower parts of the earth.” ---the realm of the dead. (Eph. 4:8-9).
The Apostles’ Creed states: “Jesus descended into hell.” It doesn’t mean Jesus went to a place of torment for the damned.
“He was put to death in body, but made alive in the Spirit. In that state, He went and preached to the imprisoned spirits…who disobeyed God, during the days when Noah was building the boat”. (1Pe. 3:18-19).
Jesus descended into the place of the dead to proclaim His victory over death and sin and demonic forces. (Colossians 2:15). This act resembles a victorious king announcing his triumph over his enemies. Christ led the righteous souls who were waiting into His victory procession.
Easter Sunday
“After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning …an angel of the Lord said to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “I know you are looking for Jesus… He is not here; He has risen! From death. Jesus met them and they worshiped Him. (Mt. 28: 1-9).
After His resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for 40 days, appearing to His disciples and proving He was alive. (Acts. 1:3). Finally, “He was taken up to heaven as His apostles watched, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” (Acts.1:9).
Hope of Resurrection
Good Friday reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice; Holy Saturday of His descent to the dead; and Easter Sunday of His glorious resurrection. His triumph invites us to trust in His promise of eternal life and to live in the hope of resurrection.