We live on this side of the resurrection, yet we act as if we are on the far side of the crucifixion. Staring into the cross from the Good Friday perspective makes it difficult to see beyond it. It consumes us. It blocks our vision. Even though we understand in our minds there was a Sunday we continue to stand in our hearts on Friday. Are we missing life in the brilliant light of the resurrection? Try to imagine the profound transformation from the disciples’ broken spirit on Good Friday to their heart-stopping joy Sunday evening. Transformation was truly so wrenching there could never be a return to their pre-resurrection world. They began to see the ‘cross’ through the lens of the resurrection, every time. The risen Lord became their launching pad for faith, and from that glorious platform they reached back and embraced his crucifixion. It should be the same for us!
About Gregory S. Athnos
Author Gregory S. Athnos, retired professor from North Park University in Chicago, has traveled to Athens, Rome, and throughout the Middle East studying the Art of the early Christians. He has done extensive research in the Archives of the Catacombs in Rome. A powerful theme of life and deliverance emerged, leading him to a reassessment of the relationship between the death and resurrection of Jesus. Mr. Athnos has spoken on the subject, “The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church” over 300 times across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan, in Seminaries, Colleges, Churches, and Conference Centers. His teaching has elicited enthusiastic response from both laypersons
and clergy.
We live on this side of the resurrection, yet we act as if we are on the far side of the crucifixion. Staring into the cross from the Good Friday perspective makes it difficult to see beyond it. It consumes us. It blocks our vision. Even though we understand in our minds there was a Sunday we continue to stand in our hearts on Friday. Are we missing life in the brilliant light of the resurrection? Try to imagine the profound transformation from the disciples’ broken spirit on Good Friday to their heart-stopping joy Sunday evening. Transformation was truly so wrenching there could never be a return to their pre-resurrection world. They began to see the ‘cross’ through the lens of the resurrection, every time. The risen Lord became their launching pad for faith, and from that glorious platform they reached back and embraced his crucifixion. It should be the same for us!
Author Gregory S. Athnos, retired professor from North Park University in Chicago, has traveled to Athens, Rome, and throughout the Middle East studying the Art of the early Christians. He has done extensive research in the Archives of the Catacombs in Rome. A powerful theme of life and deliverance emerged, leading him to a reassessment of the relationship between the death and resurrection of Jesus. Mr. Athnos has spoken on the subject, “The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church” over 300 times across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan, in Seminaries, Colleges, Churches, and Conference Centers. His teaching has elicited enthusiastic response from both laypersons
and clergy.