Good Friday holds immense significance for Christians around the globe as the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It marks a moment to reflect and appreciate the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated by giving his life for humanity's redemption. This day is pivotal in Christian beliefs, serving as a reminder of the immense grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God offered through Christ's perfect sacrifice.

In a message by Pastor Josh Baird, focus is drawn toward understanding Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice through the lens of the book of Hebrews. This exploration helps believers grasp the depth of Christ's offering, highlighting his role as the High Priest and how his sacrifice supersedes the old covenant practices. By studying Hebrews, Pastor Baird guides believers through the transformation brought by Jesus’s sacrifice and encourages them to stay grounded in faith.

Understanding the Context of Hebrews

The book of Hebrews offers valuable insight into the shift from the old covenant to the new one established through Jesus Christ. The original audience included early Christians, many of whom came from Jewish backgrounds. As new believers, they faced cultural and spiritual tensions. Pressured by familiar rituals and the comfort of tradition, some of them considered returning to Judaism.

Understanding their context helps modern readers see the relevance of this message today. These early Christians were trying to hold firm in uncertain times. The letter speaks to people who were tempted to go back to what they knew because it felt safer. By acknowledging their past and present circumstances, the writer of Hebrews reminds them and us that the new covenant, offered through Jesus, brings something truly complete.

It’s essential to grasp the original meaning and purpose in scripture before jumping to modern-day application. Pastor Baird emphasized understanding the setting, the culture, and the challenges these believers faced to get a clearer sense of what the book is really saying.

The First Covenant and Its Limitations

The old covenant laid out specific rules for worship and access to God. A tabernacle was constructed and divided into two sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. A curtain separated the two, and only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year. This strict setup demonstrated how distant people were from God due to sin.

While the rituals under the old covenant had meaning, they didn’t fully address the root problem of sin. Sacrifices were made repeatedly, but the system didn’t cleanse anyone’s conscience or bring lasting redemption. These laws highlighted humanity’s need for something greater.

Through Pastor Baird's message, we see that although modern believers aren't offering animal sacrifices, we still face our own versions of old habits. We may fall back on behavior patterns or beliefs that feel easier than walking by faith. Recognizing these tendencies allows us to fully appreciate just how transformational Christ's sacrifice truly is.

Jesus: The High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice

Jesus steps in as the High Priest of the new covenant, and his role is completely different from the priests under the old system. His sacrifice wasn’t temporary or symbolic. He didn’t offer the blood of goats or bulls. He offered himself.

This singular act brought complete purification that no previous sacrifice could accomplish. Jesus’s death wasn’t just outwardly symbolic—it brought inner cleansing. It removed guilt and shame from the conscience. That’s what makes his offering so powerful. One sacrifice, made once, that covers all sin, completely and forever.

The message from Hebrews focuses on how Jesus reaches into the deepest parts of human experience, healing the ache and separation caused by sin. For believers, that means there’s no need to return to old rituals. There’s no need to try to earn acceptance. His work is complete, and it opens a new way of living in a connected, healed relationship with God.

Living in the New Covenant

With Jesus providing eternal redemption, the new covenant changes how believers relate to God. His one-time sacrifice didn’t just redefine theology—it redefined identity and access. The believer now has direct access to the Father. Worship moves from ritual to relationship. Guilt shifts into grace. Fear gives way to confidence.

So how does that affect daily life today?

1. Embrace forgiveness: Christ’s sacrifice has already dealt with your past. There's no need to dwell in shame.

2. Strengthen faith: Let go of the mindset that you have to earn God’s approval. Believe in the fullness of grace.

3. Encourage others: Join together with the church community to stay encouraged, accountable, and loving.

The new covenant brings freedom, but freedom with direction. It’s not a break from commitment but an invitation to a deeper one, one based on love instead of law.

The Curtain Torn and Open Access to God

When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom. That wasn’t just a dramatic moment—it was deeply symbolic. That curtain had separated the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelled, from everyone else. Only the High Priest could enter it, and only once a year.

The tearing of the curtain represents the barrier between God and humanity being removed. Jesus’s death gives open access so that everyone who believes can approach God without barriers.

For modern believers, this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a truth that can shape how we live every day. It means:

1. You can draw near to God confidently.

2. You don’t have to wait for a special day or person to represent you.

3. Your relationship with God is personal, secure, and sacred.

Faith isn’t just about what we believe. It’s about who we can now come to. The Father is accessible in a way that had never been possible before Jesus.

Embracing Jesus's Sacrifice in Everyday Life

The message of Good Friday is more than a once-a-year reflection. It’s something to hold onto in the everyday decisions, challenges, and relationships that shape life. Living out the meaning of Jesus’s sacrifice is practical and deeply personal.

That might look like starting your day with prayer, not because it’s a checklist item, but because you know you’re invited into God’s presence. It could mean forgiving someone who has hurt you, out of the forgiveness Christ first showed you. Or maybe it’s spending time focused on Scripture, letting truth reshape how you view yourself and others.

Jesus’s sacrifice was once, but its impact is ongoing. It doesn’t fade. It leads to transformation, from the inside out. And as you live with that awareness, it not only blesses your walk with God but can inspire others to explore faith for themselves.

Living in light of Jesus’s sacrifice brings clarity and peace, especially in a noisy, distracted world. It reminds us who we are, what we’ve been given, and what life with God is really about.

Join us at Love Church to experience the fullness of Christ's love and sacrifice together. Engage in meaningful worship and community at our church services where we explore topics like living under the new covenant. If you're eager to connect further and grow your faith in a welcoming space, explore what’s coming up through our church in Gainesville, VA gatherings and events.