When we hear “Black Friday,” our minds often drift to doorbuster deals, crowded shopping malls, and the promise of holiday savings. But for those who pause to reflect, there’s a deeper, more profound “Black Friday” that holds eternal significance—the night of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
On that dark day nearly 2,000 years ago, the world witnessed the ultimate transaction—not one of goods but of grace. As Matthew 27:45 tells us, “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.” This was no ordinary Friday. It was a cosmic event that marked the price of sin being paid in full.
A Transaction of Love
The true Black Friday wasn’t about discounts but a costly exchange. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” In the marketplace of heaven, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, redeeming humanity at a price far beyond what we could ever afford—His own life.
Darkness and Light
On the surface, it was a day of despair. The sky turned black, the earth quaked, and the temple curtain was torn in two (Matthew 27:51). But in that darkness, the Light of the World was securing the ultimate victory. The irony is breathtaking: what appeared to be a day of defeat was actually the greatest triumph in history.
Isaiah 53:5 foretold this moment: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” While shoppers today rush to grab deals, Jesus’s wounds remind us of a purchase that transcends time—the gift of salvation.
The Joy That Follows
Much like modern Black Friday signals the beginning of a festive season, the crucifixion heralded the dawn of a new covenant. Three days later, the tomb was empty, and joy filled the hearts of those who followed Him. As Hebrews 12:2 declares, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
This juxtaposition of sorrow and joy, death and resurrection, gives meaning to our lives. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope shines brightly. The real Black Friday isn’t about fleeting material gain but the eternal promise of God’s love.
A Call to Reflection
As we move through the hustle and bustle of modern Black Friday, let’s pause to remember the day when the greatest deal was struck. Jesus bore the weight of sin so we could live in freedom. Whether or not you find the perfect gift at the store, know that the perfect gift has already been given—wrapped not in shiny paper but in the broken body of Christ.
This Black Friday, consider the words of Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The real Black Friday wasn’t about savings; it was about a Savior.
May this reflection deepen our gratitude and redirect our focus to the One who gave it all.
Charlie Wear's Notes 
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