44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44 – 46)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)
Theme: The Local Church
Context
Your passionate comments about prayer yesterday were greatly appreciated. So far we have considered lessons the local church can learn from Jesus’ passion for people, God’s mission, servant leadership, and prayer. We end with the life giving passion Jesus has for all of us. His love for humanity is unparalleled and that has the most profound implications for us personally and for the local church.
Bible Passage
Our passages today are from Luke 23:44 – 46, and 1 Peter 3:18 (presented above). As we celebrate Good Friday, there should be no doubt why Jesus died. He died because he loves us and seeks to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity – a relationship broken by sin.
This is good news that the local church must share with the highest priority!
These words from a song by Andrae Crouch are fitting for our deliberation today:
The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It reaches to the highest mountain
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
Please prayerfully read the passages above and answer the question below.
Question
As you reflect on the importance of Good Friday, how can you support your local church in ensuring the gospel message is a priority all year round?