March 29th “Good Friday”
“Christ’s Peace be with you!!”
It is Good Friday, the day our Lord Jesus dies on the cross for our salvation. Let us together humbly read the Scriptures and give thanks to God for what he has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Message
Today we’ll trace Jesus’ steps on Good Friday, the most difficult day of the Holy Week. Christ’s journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death. According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning. Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.
Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross. Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). His last were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last and died. By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb.
For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “the first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures.
Today, we should remember Jesus’ sacrifice for all humanity and give thanks to God for our salvation through Jesus Christ. Please stay nearer to the cross today.
Prayer for Holy Friday
Loving God, be near to us today as we are filled with gratitude for what you have done for us through Jesus Christ. Help and guide us to live with gratitude for your sacrifice on the cross. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
John Street United Methodist Church 