Good Friday

Gospel reading: John 18:1 – 19:42

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)

            All things, they say, come to an end, which includes our own lives. At some point in the future, we will personally encounter death for the first and last time. It may occur at home or in a hospital, surrounded by loved ones or on our own. It could strike us unexpectedly, making us momentarily confused. It may come as the result of an accident, severe injury, or serious illness. Whatever the case, the death rate on Earth is still 100% and none of us will escape this final experience.

            What we will escape is the hold that death can lay on us. When Jesus died on the Cross and said “It is finished,” He meant that everything possible had been done to pay the price of sin, as well as the ransom demanded by death. From that sacred moment, which is actually the epicenter of where sin and death, along with time and space collide, Jesus fulfilled all that was necessary to overcome that one fatal human experience. His death redeemed our souls, for all that He finished was the final part of God’s plan to forgive and restore us forever.

            This is why we call today ‘Good Friday,’ for what can be better than being totally forgiven for all of our mistakes in our lives and then, beyond death, to be welcomed received into God’s everlasting love?

Point to ponder:  How did Christ show His love for me on the Cross?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we will always be thankful to You for dying on the Cross. You finished everything that God required and commenced a new hope for all who believe and follow You. We are unworthy of such wonderful love, but we are also truly grateful for such a gracious gift. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called “Epicenter.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Epicenter.

Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome.