John 10:17-18 - The Day Jesus Died

One of my jobs is teaching online college courses. In World Religions, I've had an assignment where students are to summarize the history, key beliefs and practices of the world's religions. On separate occasions, two different students were summarizing Christianity. In identifying the holy days for Christianity they wrote,

"Black Friday is the day that Jesus died."

GOOD Friday is good because that's the day the Jesus died for our sins, and He rose again as the one Who conquered death. He gave Himself as the ultimate gift, so those who trust Him can look forward to heaven instead of hell.  Here's what Jesus said about Good Friday:

John 10:17–18 (NLT) — 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

BLACK Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when merchants have everything on sale so they can keep their books "in the black" instead of "in the red." It's the kickoff for increased profits during the Christmas shopping season.

Perhaps my students unintentionally made a correct appraisal of Black Friday. There's nothing wrong with gift giving, nor with finding a good sale. But too often Black Friday is a day when Jesus is the last thing on anyone's mind. Shoppers are consumed with getting the best deal, all in the name of a holiday that's supposed to honor Him. And He dies in their hearts.

Lord above, In the rush to move from one holiday to the next, fill our hearts with ongoing Thanksgiving, gratitude for the ultimate gift: Jesus' birth, death and resurrection. In His name we pray, Amen.