Day 39: Good Friday – The Influence of the Cross📖 Matthew 27:54 – “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” Today is Good Friday—a day that changed history forever. On the surface, it looked like defeat. Jesus was mocked, beaten, crucified. Yet through that unimaginable suffering, He accomplished the greatest victory of all: the redemption of humankind. The cross wasn’t just a symbol of sacrifice—it was a testament to influence. The way Jesus died—full of grace, forgiveness, love, and power—moved even the hardened Roman centurion to recognize who He truly was. The influence of the cross wasn’t loud. It wasn’t political. It wasn’t popular. It was humble, holy, and world-changing. As followers of Jesus, we are called to carry our own cross—to lead with love, to forgive our enemies, to give sacrificially, and to stand firm in truth even when it costs us. This is how we steward the influence He entrusted to us. The influence of your life matters—not for your fame, but for His glory. And when we live cruciform lives, shaped by the cross, our gospel impact multiplies. 💭 Reflection: 👉 How am I reflecting the character of Jesus in the way I lead and love? 👉 Am I using my influence to point people to the Cross or away from it? 🙏 Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the cross. Let my life reflect Your sacrifice and multiply the power of Your love to everyone around me. Amen. ✝️🕊️ |