Good Friday – Words from the Cross
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 (NRSV)
Beloved Creator, sometimes it is hard to feel sad on Good Friday. But it feels right today, as we see scenes of bodies being piled in refrigerated trucks, doctors and nurses fighting the same disease they treated, and we consider the thousands of families who have lost mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. We weep with and for them. And we learn anew the concept of suffering. Be with us today as we remember that you also suffered. Remind us of your words from the cross as we view the world around us. Amen
The following is intended for you to pause and consider the words of Jesus on the cross.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34
Even as he was nailed on the cross, Jesus chose to forgive the soldiers whose hand held him down and pounded nails through his skin. Who do you need to forgive in your life today?
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
Jesus has promised that he “goes to prepare a place for us.” What does it mean to you personally that when you die you will be in Paradise? Is it rejoining family? Is it avoiding Hell? Consider the fact that all of us die, and yet because of Jesus we will join Him.
"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."
John 19:26-27 We love our parents. We try to protect the, but sometimes we feel powerless. Jesus could no longer take care of Mary, whom he loved. Pray for your parents, or if they have passed, pray for others in your life who need protection.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
One of the things about the cross, no one can say “Jesus doesn’t understand.” Jesus felt abandoned by God. Do you feel that way at this point? Do you wonder if God is even listening? Feeling abandoned is normal when we expect God to act in certain ways. Do not suffer alone, Jesus chose this moment, when he was most vulnerable to tell God about his pain. You can too.
"I thirst." John 19:28
Jesus hungered. Jesus experienced thirst. Jesus was fully human and felt the fullness of the pain inflicted upon him. He also thirsted for his Father, who could not die with him. What are you thirsting for? Is it a physical thirst or a spiritual thirst?
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished;" and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit.
John 19:30 “It is finished.” In the Greek the word used is “tetelestai” meaning that it is over, it is complete. Racers would shout this word at the end of a race! The long path for Jesus was over, and he was proclaiming victory at the finish line. How are you living your life today so that at the end you too can claim victory?
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Luke 23:46
This is actually from Psalm 31. The full verse is: Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Where before he had cried out that God had abandoned him, with these final words he proclaimed the redemption and faithfulness in God. The resurrection was yet to come. But with his last breath he placed his very being in the hands of the Father.
